Requalification and Maintenance of Marine Pipeline Infrastructures

This paper proposes a general approach for risk assessment and management of marine pipeline infrastructures. The system is identified as RAM PIPE REQUAL. The approach is based on use of qualitative (level 1), quantitative (level 3), and mixed qualitative-quantitative (level 2) analytical methods. The approach, its attributes, and its strategies are summarized. A computer database pipeline integrity, maintenance, and performance information system is described, and data provided by the U.S. Minerals Management Service on pipelines in the Gulf of Mexico are analyzed to determine the primary factors involved in past losses of containment. The level 2 approach for assessment of pipelines subjected to corrosion is applied to requalification of a pipeline in the Bay of Campeche. It is concluded that RAM PIPE REQUAL is a practical and effective process for risk-based management of marine pipeline infrastructure.