ABSTRACT
In 2015, with a market share of over 58%, Americas dominated the global crude oil pipelines market, followed by Europe, West Asia and Africa with around 29% and the Asia Pacific with approximately 13%. The US Department of State concluded that pipeline transport had the highest number of barrels released per tonne-mile for both crude oil and petroleum products. The pipelines fall under the midstream sector together with other transport options. There are two main categories of pipelines used to transport energy products: petroleum pipelines and natural gas pipelines. A Very Large Container Carrier could be rammed into a major port could be set off by a suicide bomber or via a remote control on board the ship. Together with ships, tankers, railways and terminal facilities, the pipelines make up the midstream sector in the energy chain. In the circumstances, pipeline protection has become a major concern for Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Algeria, Nigeria, Burma and other strife-torn producers.
