ISO 12747:2025 Shaping the future of pipeline life extension

The newly released ISO 12747:2025, Oil and gas industries including lower carbon energy - Pipeline transportation systems - Guidance and requirements for pipeline life extension, sets out a structured approach for extending the life of pipeline systems beyond their original design limits. It provides operators with a clear framework to assess and justify continued operation, supporting safe and cost-effective decisions for ageing assets.

This updated standard replaces ISO/TS 12747:2011 and reflects significant technical improvements informed by industry experience and global feedback.

Developing ISO 12747

Graham Wilson, Technical Authority at Jee Ltd, served as the convenor for the ISO working group behind ISO 12747:2025. In this role, Graham led the development of the standard from start to finish, driving the technical content and coordinating global industry input.

His responsibilities included:

• Shaping the assessment process, technical requirements and supporting annexes
• Managing industry consultation and integrating feedback from across the sector
• Embedding lessons learned from real-world case studies
• Aligning the standard with regulatory frameworks and related ISO documents

Today, Graham continues to advise clients on applying ISO 12747 in life extension projects and integrity management programmes. His leadership in creating the standard reinforces Jee’s position as a trusted authority in pipeline integrity and a key contributor to international best practice.

Jee’ application of ISO 12747

Lifetime extension assessments

Jee carries out assessments in line with ISO 12747 to justify continued operation beyond the original design life. These assessments cover corrosion, fatigue and structural integrity, and include remnant life calculations to give operators confidence in fitness-for-service.

Guidance incorporated into ISO 12747’s direct scope, such as flexible pipelines and umbilicals, Jee combines its principles with guidance from other relevant standards and Jee’s in-house expertise in flexible riser dynamics and material degradation.

Change of service and energy transition

ISO 12747 also supports evaluations for changes in design premise, such as converting hydrocarbon pipelines for hydrogen or CO₂ transport. Jee applies this approach to help clients repurpose existing infrastructure for carbon capture and storage (CCUS) and other energy transition projects, reducing costs and environmental impact.

Pipeline integrity management system (PIMS) updates

As part of the lifetime extension process, Jee reviews and updates PIMS to reflect late-life operational risks in accordance with ISO 12747 guidance. This includes revising anomaly limits, corrosion management systems, inspection routines and emergency response procedures as appropriate for extended life operation.

Regulatory and assurance support

Jee provides full documentation and reporting in line with ISO 12747, including life extension reports that meet regulatory requirements. This ensures operators remain compliant while maintaining safety and efficiency.

Conclusion

ISO 12747 offers a clear, structured approach to pipeline life extension, addressing industry challenges and enabling the safe, economic reuse of existing assets. With Graham Wilson’s leadership and Jee’s technical expertise, operators can navigate the complexities of life extension with confidence, ensuring compliance, safety and operational efficiency.

To contact our Technical Authority, Graham Wilson, email graham.wilson@jee.co.uk, or call +44 (0)1732 371 371.