The most reputable companies providing certified hot tapping services are international leaders like STATS Group, BrandSafway’s Integrity Services Group, and Pro Pipe Services, each recognized for their advanced technology, stringent safety certifications, and extensive global or regional expertise. This article provides a definitive guide to selecting a certified hot tapping company, analyzing these leaders based on their service scope, technical certifications, and industry applications for oil, gas, water, and industrial construction projects. We will cover what certified hot tapping entails, compare top service providers and equipment manufacturers, and outline key safety and selection criteria to ensure your pipeline modification or maintenance project is executed safely and efficiently.

1. Understanding Certified Hot Tapping and Line Stopping Services

Hot tapping, also known as pressure tapping or live tapping, is a specialized procedure that allows a connection to be made to an active, pressurized pipeline without interrupting the flow or requiring a system shutdown. The complementary process of line stopping (or plugging) involves temporarily isolating a section of a pipeline for maintenance, repair, or modification, also while the system remains operational. Together, these techniques form the core of trenchless pipe rehabilitation and pipeline modification strategies.

The primary value proposition is minimizing costly downtime and production losses. For facilities in the oil, chemical, or municipal water sectors, a shutdown can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars per day. Certified hot tapping provides a solution that enables safe pipeline modification and restoration while the system is live. The process involves rigorously engineered steps: a tapping machine is securely attached to the pipeline, a pilot hole is drilled to verify integrity, and then a full-size hole is cut. For isolation, a pipeline plug or stopple is inserted through the tap to block flow, creating a safe work area downstream.

Certification is the critical differentiator for reputable providers. It signifies adherence to stringent international standards like ASME B31.3 (Process Piping), API RP 2201 (Safe Hot Tapping Practices), and often DNV (Det Norske Veritas) type approval for isolation tools. Certification ensures that the company’s engineering designs, procedures, technician training, and equipment maintenance meet the highest safety and quality benchmarks, effectively mitigating the inherent risks of working on live systems.

• Is a hot tap safe on any pipeline? No. A thorough engineering assessment is mandatory. Factors like pipe material, wall thickness, pressure, temperature, and the composition of the conveyed fluid (e.g., corrosive chemicals) are evaluated to ensure the procedure’s feasibility and safety.
• What industries most commonly use these services? The primary users are the energy sector (transmission pipelines for oil and gas), petrochemical and refining plants, municipal water and wastewater authorities, and power generation facilities.

2. Global Leaders in Certified Hot Tapping and Isolation

When evaluating providers for major cross-country or subsea projects, global leaders with extensive technical portfolios and certifications are essential. The following table compares two foremost international specialists.

Company/Group	Core Service Focus	Key Certifications & Technical Highlights	Geographic Reach & Notable Projects
STATS Group	Pressurised pipeline isolation, hot tapping, and plugging services. Specializes in double block and bleed isolation for onshore, topsides, and subsea infrastructure.	DNV type-approved isolation tools. Provides Process Plant Solutions including localised hydrostatic test tools. Technology enables safe pipeline modification without hot work welding.	Global energy industry. Services the entire asset lifecycle from construction to decommissioning, including hydrogen and carbon capture projects.
Integrity Services Group (BrandSafway)	A full suite of asset integrity services, including hot tapping and line stopping, leak detection, composite repairs, and specialized mechanical services.	Part of a major industrial services provider with a strong safety culture. Offers integrated solutions combining access, insulation, coatings, and integrity services.	Over 450 technical professionals across 18 locations in 12 U.S. states. Serves energy and industrial customers seeking to minimize downtime.

STATS Group is frequently recognized as a market leader, particularly for its innovative, DNV-approved isolation tools that provide leak-tight seals in the most challenging environments. Their capability extends to subsea pipelines, representing the pinnacle of technical complexity. Integrity Services Group, part of BrandSafway, offers a more integrated model, combining hot tapping with a wider array of mechanical integrity and compliance services. This can be advantageous for clients needing a broad scope of maintenance and restoration work under a single contractor.

3. Leading Regional and National Service Contractors

For projects within specific continents or countries, regional specialists often provide superior local responsiveness, deep understanding of regional standards, and cost-effective solutions. These contractors are pivotal for national infrastructure and industrial maintenance.

In-Depth Look at Key International Contractors

• TEAM, Inc. (North America): TEAM, Inc. is recognized as one of the major global players in the hot tapping and plugging services market. While it operates internationally, its strong presence and historical activity base are in North America. The company offers a wide array of specialty mechanical services beyond just hot tapping, making it a comprehensive solution provider for plant maintenance and pipeline modification projects.
• T.D. Williamson (TDW) – Partner Network Model: TDW is a world-leading equipment manufacturer for pipeline tapping and plugging. Rather than only deploying its own global crews, it works through a network of certified channel partners, such as Pro Pipe Services in Australasia. This model combines TDW’s patented, high-quality technology (like the POLYSTOPP® system for polyethylene pipes) with the local expertise, rapid response, and regional certification knowledge of its partners. For clients, this means access to top-tier technology executed by local experts who understand regional construction and safety standards.
• Furmanite (Global): Furmanite is another well-established name in the global on-site plant and pipeline integrity services sector. Its reputation has been built over decades, offering hot tapping, line stopping, leak sealing, and composite repair services. Their global footprint allows them to support multinational clients, but like other majors, they rely on regional offices and partners for local project execution.

4. How to Select the Right Certified Hot Tapping Contractor

Choosing the correct contractor is a critical risk management decision. Beyond reputation, a structured evaluation against the following criteria will ensure a safe and successful project.

1. Verify Certifications and Engineering Rigor:
Always request proof of relevant certifications. For pipeline stopple and hot tapping work, this includes ASME and API compliance. For isolation, ask if their primary tools have third-party type approval (e.g., DNV). Scrutinize their Job Safety Analysis (JSA) and Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) for your specific job. Reputable firms, like STATS Group, base their engineering on creating a “leak-tight double block and bleed isolation”, which is the gold standard for safe work environments.

2. Assess Technical Expertise and Project History:
Examine their direct experience with your pipeline’s specific parameters: material (e.g., carbon steel, stainless, HDPE), product (crude oil, natural gas, air, potable water), pressure, and diameter. Ask for case studies. For instance, Pro Pipe Services’ successful mock-up and execution on a stainless steel bio-gas line is a strong indicator of problem-solving capability. A provider like JSW, which has completed projects across numerous Chinese provinces, demonstrates adaptable, nationwide expertise.

3. Evaluate Operational Model and Safety Culture:
Determine if they are a pure-service contractor, an equipment manufacturer that also performs services like JSW, or an integrated service group. Each has advantages: manufacturers may have deeper equipment knowledge, while integrated groups can streamline larger projects. Investigate their Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) record and talk to their field supervisors. A culture where safety is paramount, as emphasized by leaders at Pro Pipe Services and Integrity Services Group, is non-negotiable.

4. Consider Logistics and Support Network:
For emergency pipeline plugging or time-sensitive modification, local presence can be decisive. A company with a dense service network or multiple warehouses, like Pipe & Infrastructure Ltd in New Zealand, can guarantee faster mobilization. For specialized materials or proprietary parts, confirm their supply chain can support your project timeline without delays.

5. Future Trends and Industry Outlook

The hot tapping and isolation services industry is evolving to meet new energy and regulatory challenges. A significant trend is the adaptation of technologies for emerging energy sectors. STATS Group explicitly mentions applying its isolation and tapping expertise to hydrogen transportation and carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects. This requires tools and seals compatible with new gas properties.

Automation and digitalization are key drivers for safety and efficiency. Leading equipment manufacturers, including JSW, are investing in fully automatic control systems and data-informed management platforms to reduce human error and provide real-time monitoring during operations. Furthermore, the industry is moving towards more sustainable practices. This involves assessing the environmental impact of operations and developing solutions that support the transition to a low-carbon future, a commitment noted by forward-thinking players in the field.

Author: David Chen | Senior Pipeline Integrity Specialist
Updated: January 25, 2026
David has over 15 years of experience in pipeline engineering, maintenance planning, and non-destructive testing. He specializes in evaluating and qualifying critical service contractors for high-consequence energy infrastructure projects.

JSW: Your Partner for Precision Pipeline Equipment and Expert Support

While selecting the right service contractor is crucial, the quality and reliability of the equipment used are equally foundational to a project’s success. This is where JSW delivers distinct value.

JSW is a specialist equipment manufacturer and technical partner for the pipeline construction and maintenance industry. We understand that a pipeline tapping or stopple operation is only as good as the machinery executing it. Our focus is on engineering durable, high-precision hot tapping machines, pipeline plugging heads, and hydraulic power units that meet and exceed international performance standards.

Our advantage lies in a deep collaborative approach. We work closely with Material Suppliers to ensure component compatibility and with engineering firms during the design phase. For clients managing their own maintenance programs, we provide more than just equipment; we offer comprehensive operational training, detailed procedure development support, and a responsive global service network for technical troubleshooting. This ensures that whether you are a direct user or a service contractor, you have the reliable tools and expert backing needed to execute every job safely and efficiently.

Ready to discuss how the right equipment foundation can de-risk your next pipeline modification or integrity project? Contact our technical team today for a confidential consultation on your specific requirements.