New regulations for pipeline routes in Jubail and Yanbu, and inspection teams
The Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu announced a new strategic step aimed at enhancing the efficiency and safety of industrial infrastructure in its cities by issuing comprehensive regulations for the management and operation of pipeline and utility corridors. This step comes as part of the Commission's efforts to govern gas and petrochemical transportation operations and ensure the highest safety standards in the networks that are the lifeblood of Saudi industries.
Strategic importance of industrial infrastructure
This step is of paramount importance given the global standing of Jubail and Yanbu as petrochemical hubs. The pipeline and utility networks are the lifeblood connecting the plants to each other and to export terminals. This new organization is expected to enhance operational efficiency and reduce environmental and security risks, thereby strengthening the investment climate in the cities under the Authority's jurisdiction and ensuring the sustainability of supply chains for raw materials and intermediate products.
Details of the new regulations for 2025
The new regulations, scheduled for full implementation in 2025, apply to all corridors designated for transporting vital materials, including electricity, water, and telecommunications networks. The new regulations, launched via the "Istilaa" platform, mandate that all investors and tenants fully comply with the technical requirements. Furthermore, the regulations grant the Royal Commission significant flexibility in setting and periodically updating rental fees based on thorough economic and investment studies, ensuring fair and sustainable returns.
The role of the private sector and industrial security
In a move to strengthen partnerships with the private sector, the regulations authorize the Authority to assign operation and maintenance tasks and enter into contracts with specialized companies. On the security front, the regulations set stringent standards, requiring approval from the Higher Commission for Industrial Security for security designs and fire protection systems to ensure the security system's compliance with national standards.
Field monitoring teams and deterrent penalties
To ensure compliance with regulations, the bylaws established specialized field teams in each industrial city. These teams conduct regular and surprise inspections to monitor any encroachments on pipeline right-of-way. The legislation imposes strict financial penalties on violators, requiring them to repair the damage according to approved cost estimation guidelines and granting them a specific timeframe to rectify the situation.
Exclusive permits and emergency plans
The authority emphasized that access to pipeline corridors or the conduct of any activity therein is restricted to those holding prior official authorization. The regulations also require establishments to record incidents immediately upon their occurrence and to prepare comprehensive emergency plans to ensure business continuity, while guaranteeing establishments the right to appeal to ensure fairness and transparency in the application of penalties.
