With 1,132 participants from 61 countries and delegations from approximately 100 pipeline operating companies, ptc 2026 marked the largest and most international edition in the event's 21-year history.
The 21st Pipeline Technology Conference (ptc) concluded last week in Berlin, successfully reaffirming its status as "The Global Pipeline Event.”
Held from 27 to 30 April 2026 the Estrel Congress Center, the event opened with a specialised training day, followed by three days of intensive conference sessions and an exhibition. The program featured prestigious opening keynotes by:
- The Right Honourable Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources for Gas of Nigeria.
- His Excellency Abdulla bin Ibrahim Al Hamar, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Germany.
- Philipp Steinberg, Senior Advisor to Boston Consulting Group and former Director General at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, who discussed “Pipelines, Power and Politics: Energy Security in a Fragmenting World.”
The technical program addressed the industry's most pressing debates, including hydrogen transportation, CO2 infrastructure, pipeline safety, inspection technologies, and digitalisation. Discussions were initiated by the opening plenary panel, “Strengthening Pipeline Safety Through Experience.” As per tradition, all conference papers will be accessible via the ptc Pipeline Open Knowledge Base.
The final day saw the return of an expanded World Pipeline Outlook, featuring global leaders:
- Data Centers: A presentation on the growing energy demand of European data centers and the role of gas infrastructure in securing supply.
- Strategic Outlooks: A session on the Transalpine Pipeline (TAL) regarding crude oil supply to the Czech Republic.
- Anniversaries: A celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS).
The 2026 edition also introduced a new round table for regulatory institutions alongside the Global Women in Pipeline Forum and Young Pipeliners activities. Notably, the Young Pipeliners International Awards recognised Kate Stratogianni and Subashish Kundu Sunny for their achievements.