Shining a light on 100 years of API Standards advancing safety, sustainability and environmental protection.

ABOUT

Celebrating a Century of Standards

Since 1924, the American Petroleum Institute (API) has published more than 800 standards, guidelines, and other documents that enhance safety, efficiency and environmentally responsible industry best practices.

API standards are celebrated for their global impact and technical rigor, reflecting a standards development process that is both thorough and inclusive. Draft standards undergo extensive consultation utilizing consensus building and stakeholder input, ensuring a balance of diverse interests are represented throughout the process. This method encourages participation and promotes technical integrity. It’s a process accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and has been applied to the development of all editions of API’s extensive range of standards. 

As we look to the future, we continue to strive to deliver energy in ways that protect our workers, communities and the environment, helping the industry do so by codifying good safety practices, adapting to new technologies, advancing lower carbon technologies, community engagement efforts and other initiatives. 

HISTORY

2005

During World War I, drilling delays resulted from shortages of equipment, and the industry attempted to overcome that problem by pooling equipment, including equipment from the U.S. The effort initially failed due to lack of uniformity of pipe sizes, threads and coupling. Thus, API took up the challenge of developing industry-wide standards to promote equipment compatibility by gathering the expertise of leaders in the field. After bringing these experts together to agree upon design and requirements, the first standard Specifications for Steel and Iron Pipe for Oil Country Tubular Goods was published on October 20, 1924.

A century later, our standards are globally recognized and adopted, helping countries address a range of challenges—everything from fortifying their energy independence to improving operational safety.

Help shape the next 100 years of API standards!

NEWS

Explore the rich history and significance of API standards through our recent articles.

The Standards Development Process - 3 Part Digital Feature

This year marks the 100-year anniversary of API publishing its first standard. Since its founding more than a century ago, the American Petroleum Institute (API) has led standards development activities to advance safety and environmental performance, publishing more than 800 standards.

API Standards at 100: A Century of Advancing Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability

As the world emerged from World War I, it became clear that global industrial expansion faced significant challenges. The world had been made “safe for democracy” as articulated by President Woodrow Wilson, at least for the time being, but not compatible across critical industries.

API Updates API 6D to Address Hydrogen Gas Service

The American Petroleum Institute (API) today announced the publication of Addendum 2 to API 6D, 25th Edition: Specifications for Valves.

Found in Translation – API Supports Ukraine’s Oil and Natural Gas Sector

Critical to Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression is its energy security, and I’m pleased to share the progress API has made in supporting Ukraine’s energy industry.

API Recommended Practice 75W: Advancing Safety and Environmental Integrity in Offshore Wind Operations

Against the backdrop of a growing public demand for clean, renewable energy, offshore wind power has emerged as an attractive component of the global energy transition.

Prioritizing Energy Needs and Environmental Responsibility

The natural gas and oil industry stands at a crossroads of two compelling global imperatives: promote energy security to meet the world’s increasing demand for reliable energy; and protect the environment by addressing climate change concerns.

API Strengthens Offshore Wind Safety with New Standard

The American Petroleum Institute (API) today released the first edition of API Recommended Practice 75W (API RP 75W), Safety and Environmental Management System for Offshore Wind Operations and Assets.

API's New Standard Sets Guidelines for Pipeline Public Engagement

Spanning over 500,000 miles collectively, liquid and gas transmission pipelines transport oil, natural gas, and petroleum products across the U.S., seamlessly and discreetly fueling our nation’s economy and way of life.

The High Standards of Standards Development

Picture this: In the frigid, remote waters of the North Sea, an offshore oil rig faces a daunting challenge. A seal on a subsea control module has ruptured, grinding production to a halt. Repairing the module is relatively straightforward—that is, with an available replacement. The problem on this particular day: The rig is out of new seals, and the nearest replacement is thousands of miles away.

Global Collaboration Fuels Progress in Oil and Natural Gas

As the world turns its collective focus toward energy security and environmental responsibility, international partnerships become essential for progress.

API Publishes Community and Stakeholder Engagement Standard for Upstream Operations

The American Petroleum Institute (API) today announced the publication of a community engagement standard for U.S. based upstream onshore operations.

New API Standard Outlines Best Practices for Public Engagement in Pipeline Construction & Operations

The American Petroleum Institute (API) today announced the publication of a pipeline public engagement standard that builds on industry’s progress and commitment to proactive, inclusive and collaborative engagement throughout the construction and operation of our nation’s pipelines.

The Rising Significance of First-Edition Standards

Since its founding more than a century ago, the American Petroleum Institute (API) has published more than 800 standards, comprehensive guides to enhance safety, efficiency and environmentally responsible industry practices.

API’s Global Standards: The Building Blocks of Energy Security

While managing supply chain risks has always been a recurring boardroom concern, it took a global pandemic to underscore exactly what’s at stake when disruptions occur.

100 YEARS OF STANDARDS AWARDS

As API celebrates this milestone anniversary, we are awarding key standards that have been transformative to industry in upstream, downstream and measurement. Hear from those who have been instrumental in the standards development process explain what makes these documents stand out.

TESTIMONIALS

“On behalf of the members and staff of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), it is my pleasure to extend our warm congratulations to the American Petroleum Institute (API) in recognition of its 100th year of standards development.

ANSI applauds API for its many contributions to support the oil and gas industry through standardization over the past century. API has a laudable record of success as an ANSI-accredited standards developer and a demonstrated commitment to developing standards that enhance operational safety, environmental protection, and sustainability across the industry. In addition to API’s myriad of domestic activities, your impactful work extends to the advancement of API’s standards internationally. ANSI welcomes the continued opportunity for partnerships with API such as the successful Standards Alliance: Phase 2 project harmonizing West African petroleum standards. As well, we are grateful for API’s active and longstanding participation on ANSI’s Board of Directors and Executive Standards Council, through which API contributes to the greater standardization system in the U.S. and across the globe.

Congratulations on this exciting milestone. ANSI appreciates your many efforts in support of the standardization community.”

– Joe Bhatia – President and CEO, American National Standards Institute

LISTEN AND LEARN

Hear from industry experts in these podcasts and webinars about API Standards, the accredited development process, how standards are applied, what the future of standards entails and more!

APPLICATION OF API STANDARDS

API standards are the foundation for API offerings for the natural gas and oil industry, including trainings, certifications and safety programs for global industry operations. Application of API standards in these ways helps the industry personnel keep operations safe and contributes to sustainability while providing energy to their surrounding communities and around the world.

Individual Certification Programs (ICP)

The Individual Certification Programs base exams and practices around API standards like API 570 and API RP 653, and provide the petroleum and petrochemical industries with an independent and unbiased way to evaluate the knowledge and experience of technical and inspection personnel.

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