Prioritize Trenchless Capacity and Logistics for OCTG Procurement

What happened

Michels Trenchless demonstrated long horizontal directional drilling runs that minimise surface disruption and avoid constructing access roads through sensitive terrain. The company completed HDD installations that materially reduced earthworks and transport needs, making trenchless a credible alternative for complex routes. Watch whether follow-on projects keep the same bore lengths and whether local contractors can supply the specialist rigs and OCTG needed

Why the category manager should care

Treat HDD as an execution profile that changes supplier selection, mobilisation and OCTG specification; don’t assume open-cut terms apply

Key facts

• Completed HDD installations exceeding typical profiles, including long bores
• Avoided several kilometres of access roads in environmentally sensitive areas
• Established local Australian presence since 2021 supporting regional demand

What happened

Pollard’s Pack Tuff bedding bags are made from sustainably sourced plantation timber and are sold as a reusable, lightweight alternative for pipe bedding. The bags can be freighted with pipe deliveries and are reported as strong enough for heavy pipe handling while lowering transport weight and carbon footprint. Verify reuse, load limits and onsite handling procedures before specifying as standard

Why the category manager should care

Consider specifying co-shipping and reuse criteria in logistics and material contracts to capture freight and handling savings

Key facts

• Pack Tuff bedding uses sustainably sourced plantation timber
• Designed to be strong yet lightweight, supporting heavy pipe sections
• Can be freighted with manufactured pipe to reduce separate transport

What happened

Fleet Helicopters argues that integrating aviation early in project planning unlocks efficiency, safety and better crew logistics for remote pipeline work. The piece emphasises predictable flight-path planning, landing-site placement and fatigue-managed crew movements as tangible benefits to schedule and safety. Watch for tender opportunities where aviation is accepted as part of the core delivery model rather than ad-hoc support

Why the category manager should care

Procure helicopter services as a planned delivery capability with defined HLS and fatigue controls, not as an emergency add-on

Key facts

• Aviation integrated into project planning improves schedule predictability
• Early HLS planning reduces transit time and safety friction
• Used for personnel, equipment transport and aerial inspections

What happened

Process Online coverage highlights rising focus on OT cyber (zero-trust), remote commissioning and digital handover practices across Australian industrial projects. The reporting ties these trends to vendor remote-access requests, IIoT deployments and increasing expectations for digital acceptance records. Watch supplier proposals for broad remote-access demands and include explicit cyber and handover requirements in contracts

Why the category manager should care

Score and require digital handover deliverables and limited remote-access rights in tenders to reduce operational and cyber risk

Key facts

• Editorial focus on zero-trust for operational technology
• Multiple articles on remote commissioning and IIoT deployment challenges
• Product and vendor announcements around edge AI and rugged industrial computers