Global demand for natural gas projects continues to dominate onshore pipeline construction, even as other sectors slow due to a continued fall in oil prices.

According to the latest industry forecast released by UK-based market researcher Douglas-Westwood, 66% of lines installed between 2015 and 2019 are expected to ship natural gas, highlighting a growing trend in overall global energy demand.

Just earlier this year, a report from Oil & Gas Journal indicated a similar direction, more specifically noting that in 2015, construction crews intended to complete 4,045 miles of natural gas lines by the end of this year. Meanwhile, the publication also reported that 677 of those miles were expected to be constructed in the U.S. alone.

Natural gas has become renowned in the industry as a clean-burning fossil fuel that can be used for everything from cooking and heating, all the way to electricity generation and vehicle fueling.

The United States is home to a grid of over 210 natural gas pipeline systems, although those statistics have likely risen since last reported by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Mats & Pipeline Construction
As construction crews move forward with more natural gas pipeline projects, significant expansion necessitates they work using heavy construction equipment.

In land types such as wetlands, swamps, and other rugged terrains, the utilization of timber mats is beneficial, for purposes of equipment stabilization, efficiency and most importantly, minimizing any impact on the construction site’s surrounding environment. Timber mats are not meant to be permanent and can easily be removed once pipeline construction projects are completed.

Pipelines for transporting natural gas will continue to be a valuable asset to the U.S. energy grid long into the future, along with the continued importance of other pipeline types, including those responsible for moving crude oil.