Implications of engineering professional ethics in pipeline corrosion management engineering: A mini review

The transportation of crude oil, and natural gas using pipelines although critical, pose grave danger with severe consequences on the economy, environment, and humans when they fail. This paper presents a review of professional ethics that engineers must uphold in pipeline integrity management knowing that pipelines can fail. Focus is on ethical responsibilities that include adherence to safety standards, environmental stewardship, transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership as essential ethical concerns of pipeline integrity management to safeguard public safety, environmental sustainability, and operational reliability. 2010 San Bruno Gas Pipeline Explosion, the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) Gas Pipeline Explosion, and Keystone Pipeline Spill in 2017 are some case studies of past pipeline failures that highlight the consequences of ethical lapses and the importance of maintaining professional integrity in all aspects of pipeline lifecycle management. This paper explores complex ethical dilemmas such as balancing economic interests with safety and environmental concerns faced by engineers. It concludes that fostering ethical corporate culture and prioritizing engineers’ capacity development are vital to ensure pipeline infrastructure sustainability, supports long-term societal and environmental well-being, and uphold the broader integrity of the engineering profession.