United Kingdom Onshore Pipeline Operators’ Association

Welcome to UKOPA

UKOPA is a membership organisation made up of pipeline operators that are responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of a network of pipelines that spans over 27,000 km of pipelines in the UK.

These pipelines deliver the fuels that heats our homes, power our stations, run vehicles and aircraft, and transports essential chemicals for use in everyday products. Safely maintaining the integrity of this infrastructure is crucial to the UK economy.

About UKOPA

Working groups

UKOPA currently has six working groups, each with its own terms of reference and objectives. The chairman of each working group reports to the board at each board meeting and bi-annually to the members at the members meeting.

1. Emergency Planning & Resilience Working Group (EPRWG)

2. Fault Data and Risk Assessment Working Group (FARWG)

3. Infringement Working Group (IWG)

4. Process Safety Working Group (PSWG)

5. Pipeline Integrity Working Group (PIWG)

6. Corrosion Prevention Working Group (CPWG)

1. Emergency Planning Working Group (EPWG)

2. Fault and Risk Assessment Working Group (FARWG)

3. Infringement Working Group (IWG)

4. Process Safety Working Group (PSWG)

5. Pipeline Integrity Working Group (PIWG)

6. Corrosion Prevention Working Group (CPWG)

Areas of interest

In order to ensure pipelines are operated and managed in the safest possible way, UKOPA working groups develop guidance and advice that can be used by individuals and organisations who may be affected by, need to work on or near, or who have pipelines running through land they may be working in, own or tenant.

Contractors and Utilities

Emergency Planners

Landowners, Farmers and Tenants

Pipeline Safety

Planning and Developers

Contractors and Utilities

Emergency Planners

Landowners, Farmers and Tenants

Pipeline Safety

Planning and Developers

Latest News & Events

The Pressure Test: Could your idea shape the future of the UK pipeline industry?

As UKOPA celebrates its 30th anniversary, we are not only reflecting on the progress made across the pipeline industry—we are also looking ahead to what comes next. Day two of UKOPA’s 30th Anniversary Conference, on 22 October, will focus on the future of the UK pipeline industry and the innovations, technologies and new ways of...

UKOPA INFRINGEMENT REPORT 2025

Progress Made, But Awareness Remains Critical Every year, the UKOPA Infringement Working Group (IWG) analyses infringement data from across the UK’s onshore pipeline network to identify trends, share learnings and help improve safety across the industry. The newly published 2025 Infringement Database Report highlights encouraging progress, while also reinforcing the need for continued vigilance from...

International Women in Engineering Day: Celebrating women who are helping to shape the future of engineering

International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) is an opportunity to celebrate the women transforming our industry, challenge outdated perceptions and inspire the next generation to pursue careers that make a real difference. At UKOPA, we recognise the talented women working across the pipeline industry and the vital role they play in keeping the UK’s infrastructure...