The American Petroleum Institute has honoured Marathon Pipe Line with the 2023 API Distinguished Pipeline Safety Award in the large operator category. This prestigious award recognises industry leaders for their outstanding safety performance, public engagement, and innovative efforts to achieve zero mainline releases. API president and CEO, Mike Sommers, praised Marathon Pipe Line, stating, “Marathon Pipe Line stood out for its excellence in every category of review.”
Safety is deeply embedded in the culture at Marathon Pipe Line. The company’s commitment to safety is reflected in its proactive measures and innovative approaches, which have set new benchmarks in the industry. Each year, API, a standards-setting organisation representing all segments of the US natural gas and oil industry, selects three pipeline operators—one small, one medium, and one large—to receive the Distinguished Pipeline Safety Award. These operators are chosen by their peers based on their implementation of the Pipeline Safety Management System framework and their dedication to industry-wide learning and sharing.
(L to R): MPLX senior vice president logistics & storage Shawn Lyon, environmental safety security compliance director Michael Gray, vice president logistics & engineering Greg Amburgey, MPL president Rich St. Amour, vice president operations John Hunt, and environmental, safety & security director Duane Deboo with the 2024 API Distinguished Pipeline Safety award.
In 2023, Marathon Pipe Line distinguished itself by developing a revolutionary safety course for leaders. Sommers highlighted MPL’s achievements, stating, “Their innovative approach to right-of-way aerial monitoring and vegetation maintenance and significant strides in integrity management have advanced the knowledge base of both the company and the industry as a whole.”
MPL’s robust safety improvement plan, executed last year, prioritised an enhanced safety culture. This included the Tools for Exceptional Safety Leadership training, designed to empower leaders with effective safety tools. MPL also focused on enhancing pipeline integrity programmes, sharing insights with other operators, and making improvements in geohazard management and girth weld defect assessments. Their commitment to safety innovation is further demonstrated by their investment in Flyscan technology, which uses aerial imagery and artificial intelligence to detect leaks and threats along pipelines.
Rich St. Amour, MPL president, expressed his pride in the company’s safety culture, stating, “At Marathon Pipe Line, safety is not just a priority – it’s ingrained in our culture. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and commitment of every individual in our organisation to prioritise safety above all else and to advance the industry.”
Marathon Pipe Line’s achievements in 2023 underscore their unwavering dedication to safety and their role as a leader in the pipeline industry. Their innovative practices and commitment to excellence continue to set high standards and inspire advancements in pipeline safety.
For more information visit www.marathonpetroleum.com
