Transport via pipeline

NACE code 49.50, 'Transport via pipeline', represents a critical component of the global logistics and supply chain infrastructure. This industry is responsible for the safe and efficient transportation of a wide range of materials, including natural gas, oil, water, and other liquid and gaseous substances, across vast distances. As a vital link in the supply chain, the pipeline transport industry plays a crucial role in supporting various other economic activities, from energy production to manufacturing and agriculture.

The transport of materials via pipeline involves a multi-step process. First, the raw materials are extracted or collected from their sources, such as oil and gas fields or water reservoirs. These materials are then processed and prepared for transportation, often involving filtration, compression, or other treatment methods. The materials are then pumped or compressed into the pipeline network, which can span hundreds or even thousands of kilometers. Sophisticated control systems and monitoring equipment ensure the safe and efficient operation of the pipeline, regulating the flow, pressure, and temperature of the transported materials.

The pipeline transport industry relies on a range of inputs, including the raw materials being transported, such as 06.10 Natural gas and 06.20 Crude petroleum, as well as specialized equipment and infrastructure. This includes the construction and maintenance of the pipeline network, which requires significant investments in materials like steel, concrete, and specialized valves and pumps. Additionally, the industry requires a skilled workforce, including engineers, technicians, and operators, to design, build, and maintain the pipeline systems.

The primary output of the pipeline transport industry is the delivery of the transported materials to their intended destinations, where they can be further processed, distributed, or consumed. The materials transported via pipelines are often essential inputs for a wide range of other economic activities, such as 19.20 Manufacture of refined petroleum products, 20.11 Manufacture of industrial gases, and 36.00 Water collection, treatment and supply. As such, the pipeline transport industry plays a crucial role in supporting the broader economy and enabling the efficient movement of critical resources.