Pipeline
Pipelines are a safe, economical system for long-distance transport of liquids and gases.
A pipeline is a system of pipes for long-distance transportation of a liquid or gas, typically to a market area for consumption. Pipelines are generally the most economical way to transport large quantities of oil, refined oil products, or natural gas over land, and they are one of the safest ways of transporting materials compared to road or rail. The global trunk/transmission pipeline network length is on the order of ~2.19 million km by 2025, with North America accounting for ~44%.
- Global pipeline length (2025)
- ~2.19 million km
- North America share
- ~44%
- United States share of global
- 65%
- Russia share of global
- 8%
- Canada share of global
- 3%
- First crude oil pipeline built
- 1860s, Pennsylvania, USA
Lore & Background
The first crude oil pipeline was built by the Oil Transport Association in the 1860s, a 2-inch wrought iron line over 6 miles from an oil field in Pennsylvania to a railroad station in Oil Creek. Pipelines exist for crude and refined petroleum, natural gas, biofuels, sewage, slurry, water, beer, and even pneumatic systems. Oil pipelines are made from steel or plastic tubes, typically buried at a depth of 3 to 6 feet. Natural gas is pressurized into liquids known as natural gas liquids (NGLs). In the United States, 70% of crude oil and petroleum products are shipped by pipeline; in Canada, 97% of natural gas and petroleum products are shipped by pipeline. The most recent major pipeline to start operating in North America is a TransCanada natural gas line going north across the Niagara region bridges, beginning operations in fall 2012, supplying 16% of all natural gas used in Ontario.
Reader's Guide
Pipelines are a critical infrastructure for modern energy and material transport, offering significant economic and safety advantages over rail or truck. The source article notes that in 2014, pipeline transport of crude oil cost about $5 per barrel, while rail cost $10–$15 per barrel, and trucking even higher. Employment on completed pipelines represents only 1% of that of the trucking industry. The global pipeline network spans approximately 2.19 million km, with the United States, Russia, and Canada holding 76% of all pipelines. Pipelines are often targets in war due to their strategic importance. The main pollution from pipelines is caused by corrosion and leakage. Pipelines enable the transport of water over long distances where canals are impractical, and they facilitate the export of LNG, propane, and butane from North America. The Dakota Access Pipeline and the reversal of Enbridge's Line 9 illustrate current developments. Overall, pipelines remain the backbone of energy distribution, though they face challenges from regulation, environmental concerns, and competition from rail for flexibility.
Did You Know?
- The first crude oil pipeline was built in the 1860s in Pennsylvania, using 2-inch wrought iron pipe over 6 miles.
- In the United States, 70% of crude oil and petroleum products are shipped by pipeline; in Canada, 97% of natural gas and petroleum products are shipped by pipeline.
- The most recent major North American pipeline to start operating is a TransCanada natural gas line across the Niagara region, which began in fall 2012 and supplies 16% of Ontario's natural gas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Pipeline in the Energy & Power context?
A Pipeline is a network of pipes designed to move liquids or gases over long distances, usually delivering crude oil, refined products, or natural gas from production sites to consumer markets.
Why are Pipelines considered the preferred transport method for oil and gas?
They are the most cost-effective means of moving large volumes of petroleum or gas across land, and they rank among the safest transport options when compared with trucks or trains.
How long is the global Pipeline network as of 2025?
The worldwide trunk and transmission pipeline system stretches to roughly 2.19 million kilometres, with North America holding about 44 percent of that total.
Where and when was the first crude-oil Pipeline built?
The earliest crude-oil pipeline was constructed in the 1860s in Pennsylvania, United States, marking the start of long-distance liquid-fuel transport.
Which countries dominate global Pipeline infrastructure?
The United States alone accounts for about 65 percent of the world's pipeline length, while Russia and Canada contribute roughly 8 and 3 percent respectively.
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