TRANSPORT BY PIPELINE

Transport by pipeline is a system of transporting gasses and liquid products from one place to another through the use of pipelines. Pipelines are constructed or laid underground as means of carrying water, gases and petroleum products. In Nigeria, pipelines are constructed to transport crude oil from Warri to Kaduna refinery.

Advantages of Transport by Pipeline

1. Low maintenance cost: It is cheap because of low maintenance cost. Large amount of money will not be spent on it.
2. Safe: Since pipes are laid underground, there is less possibility of accident.
3. Continuous flow of goods: Goods are moved over a long distance without obstruction.
4. Reduce the overcrowding of the roads: The number of tankers carrying liquid and gasses will be greatly reduced road.
5. Not easily affected by climatic change: The climatic conditions may not affect pipelines easily.

Disadvantages of Pipeline Transport

1. Prone to leakages and unauthorised tapping: Pipeline transportation can be prone to leakages and unauthorised tapping by the people, as is the case in the Niger Delta.
2. High cost of construction: The cost of constructing pipelines is very high. A lot of money would be expended on laying the pipes.
3. Easily damaged: Pipeline can be easily damaged during road construction which can lead to wastage.
4. Limited in scope: It is only limited to liquid goods alone, e.g. water. Solid goods cannot be transported by pipeline.
5. It is vulnerable to climatic change: Climatic changes, i.e ., weather can damage the pipeline. Wears and tears can cause the pipeline to rot, leading to product leakage.