News from the Innovation Committee
The IPLOCA Innovation Committee is pleased to share a brief update following our continued efforts to foster collaboration and innovation across the industry.
This spring, we gathered in Mallorca for our latest Novel Construction Initiative session, bringing together approximately 80 participants from across the value chain. The event featured 12 engaging presentations from industry experts, covering a range of topics from advanced materials and coating technologies to digital solutions and novel construction methodologies. The spring Novel construction event provided a valuable platform for open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and meaningful connections among contractors, operators, and technology providers. The strong participation and quality of discussions once again highlighted the industry’s commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.
We extend our sincere thanks to all speakers and attendees who contributed to the success of this session. Your insights and active engagement are essential to driving progress within our community.
The Innovation Committee will continue building on this momentum through upcoming initiatives and working group activities. We look forward to further strengthening collaboration and welcoming even more members to participate in future events.
Somaieh Salehpour, Committee Chair
IPLOCA Novel Construction Spring Session 2026
We were delighted to welcome around 80 attendees from across the globe to the IPLOCA Novel Construction Spring Session held in Mallorca, Spain on 15 and 16 April.
Over two days, we explored innovative construction methods, share ideas, and collaborate to address the evolving challenges of our industry, from sustainability to technological advancement. It was especially encouraging to see strong engagement from our NextGen participants—an inspiring reminder that the future of our industry is in capable and forward-thinking hands. 10 speakers shared their presentations over the course of two days. The following subjects were presented on the first day:
- Landslide Analytics & Clara AI Agent: Driving Innovation in Pipeline Construction
Tracey Stone and Marcin Tracz, AI Clearing - Technological innovation in pipeline construction: cutting product pipes whilst preserving the casings
Boris Böhm, Max Streicher GmbH - Vertical Shaft Boring Machines (VSM) for onshore applications
Simon Herrenknecht and Diana Rennkamp, Herrenknecht AG - AI & Digital Transformation: The Journey Toward Industry 5.0
Mustafa Abusalah, CCC - Dig. Lift. Scan. – Sodex laser scanning systems on Volvo excavators perform pipeline surveying
Ralf Pfefferkorn, Sodex Innovations - Settanta Pipeliner: The Next Evolution in Pipe Handling Equipment
Jason Lavalley, LaValley Industries
A workshop was held in the afternoon, and participants were divided into working groups for brainstorming. The group discussions were related to the following subjects:
AI Transformation, Skills & Resources, Standard & Regulatory Material, Energy Transition and Net Zero Construction. On the second day, the following presentations were made, before the conclusions from the workshop were presented:
- SAFELINE 360: Digital Health and Safety Application for Pipeline projects
Spyros Manis, Avax - Strengthening the Weak Links: Composite Reinforcement, Coating Reliability & Modern Tank Insulation
Dinko Cudic, Henkel - How subcontractors can make claims directly against employers even though there is no privity
Virginie Colaiuta, LMS Legal LLP - Geotechnical Risk in Pipeline Projects
Jack Allison, Hawkins
We would like to thank our generous sponsors: CSS, Max Streicher GmbH, Max Streicher S.p.A., AI Clearing, AVAX and Volvo Construction Equipment as well as all those who participated in the Novel Construction Spring Session. We look forward to our next fall session which is planned for 28-29 October 2026 in Vienna, Austria. The hotel is yet to be defined.
All the presentations are available on IPLOCA NEST.