The award was presented during the 23rd International NO-DIG Convention, held between 19-21 September in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

The new ShieldLiner™ rig and equipment completed its first commercial trial on 15 September 2005 for the City of Stirling in Perth, Western Australia with the relining of 70 metres of damaged, root-infected stormwater pipe. For more information on this project, see the story on page 18.

In presenting the award the International Society for Trenchless Technology (ISTT) noted that the ShieldLiner System “is a product that will address the immediate and every day needs for a tool to repair and rehabilitate ageing pipelines, sewers, waterlines and has potential applications in the oil and gas industries. There is a lot of thought, technology and in-depth quality built into the system to ensure adequate and safe repairs that last. The inventors of the ShieldLiner System should be proud of their work and its contribution to the trenchless industry.”

ShieldLiner Managing Director John Hassen said international recognition of the significance of ShieldLiner was particularly pleasing and would assist in creating international market awareness of the technology.

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“Part of the award includes international promotion of the technology to the industry, which will be welcome and beneficial,” said Mr Hassen.

He added that presenting a paper on the ShieldLiner system to conference delegates provided an opportunity to expose the technology to the best possible audience.

“The first commercial project for the City of Stirling was a major milestone as we move along the path to commercialising the technology which addresses a world-wide problem for local authorities and infrastructure owners that would prefer to repair underground pipes in-situ, rather than incur the public dislocation, environmental impact and high cost of digging up and replacing damaged pipes,” Mr Hassen said.

Mr Hassen said the award provided tangible third party recognition of the hard work and commitment of the small but extremely dedicated and creative team of employees and consultants working on the ShieldLiner project, which was a very good example of Australian innovation and endeavour.