Intero wins APGA Innovation Award for Robotic MFL Pipeline Inspection

Sydney, Australia, October 2025

We are proud to announce that we have been awarded the 2025 Australian Pipelines and Gas Association (APGA) Innovation Award, in partnership with APA Group. The award recognizes our pioneering deployment of robotic Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) inspection technology, marking the first time an Australian gas network owner has embraced this cutting-edge inspection approach.

A First for Australia’s Pipeline Industry

Our winning submission, shortlisted by the Innovation Award judges, showcases a groundbreaking collaboration with APA Group. Together, we successfully deployed robotic MFL inspection technology in Australia for the first time, addressing one of the industry’s most complex challenges: how to assess critical “unpiggable” pipelines, those that cannot be inspected by traditional in-line tools due to design or operational constraints.

By introducing robotic inspection into the Australian market, this project enables operators to collect high-resolution integrity data without major shutdowns or costly infrastructure modifications. The result is improved safety, reduced downtime, and enhanced environmental protection through better leak prevention and asset life extension.

A Step-Change in Pipeline Integrity Management

This innovation represents a true developing for the Australian energy sector, offering a powerful alternative to conventional inspection methods.
Our MFL Pipe Explorer combines autonomous mobility with advanced data capture, allowing precise internal assessment even in pipelines with bends, diameter changes, or restricted access.

The impact is far-reaching:

Safety: Improved understanding of asset condition and earlier detection of potential risks.
Efficiency: Reduced operational disruptions and avoidance of unplanned outages.
Sustainability: Supporting environmental goals by preventing leaks and extending pipeline lifespan.
Scalability: The approach is replicable and ready to be adopted by other operators nationwide.

Driving Innovation Through Collaboration

This achievement reflects Intero’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence in integrity management. Working closely with APA Group, our team demonstrated how new technology can redefine what’s possible in pipeline inspection, delivering real value and measurable safety outcomes for the industry.

“Winning the APGA Innovation Award is a proud moment for Intero and a testament to our team’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of pipeline integrity,” said Herman Quakkelsteijn. “Together with APA Group, we’ve proven that robotic inspection technology is not just a concept, it’s a practical, scalable solution that benefits the entire energy infrastructure sector.

About the APGA Innovation Award

The APGA Innovation Award recognizes projects that deliver tangible improvements and advancements within the pipeline and gas industry. The 2025 award celebrates real-world implementation of innovative solutions that contribute to safety, sustainability, and performance across Australia’s energy networks.

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