Innovator, industry leader and horizontal directional drilling trailblazer Andrew ‘Andy’ Lukas has sadly passed.
He was 79 years old.
Born on 15 February 1947, Lukas played a significant role in the design and construction of some of Australia’s most important pipeline infrastructure.
His legacy includes the introduction of horizontal directional drilling into Australia, the advancement of surface-to-in-seam coal degasification, and founding several businesses, notably Lucas, AJ Lucas Services, Eastern States Energy among others.
He was a past president of IPLOCA, Australian Pipelines and Gas Association (APGA) and Society of Petroleum Engineers International.
His work extended across pipeline construction, energy infrastructure and major project delivery.
Lukas served as President of the APGA Board from 1998 to 1999, during the Association’s time as the Australian Pipeline Industry Association (APIA), and was awarded Honorary Life Membership in 2007.
Lukas’s son David Lukas took to LinkedIn to celebrate his father’s life.
“The legacy of his work includes the design and construction of many of Australia’s most important pipelines, multiple world records for horizontal directional drilling, the invention of surface-to-in-seam coal degasification, the development of energy and infrastructure assets, an example for many young engineers to learn how to think,” he wrote.
“He was an innovator.”
There was no shortage of tributes from those who knew and worked with Lukas.
“Andy is a legend in our industry and a wonderful person, a true gentleman.” said Cees van Oord, an experienced trenchless project professional.
“His knowledge, leadership, and willingness to help others will be remembered by many throughout the industry.” said Colin Giles Business Development Manager at STEP Oiltools.
Matthew O’Connell, Nacap President also shared his condolences.
“While I spent pretty much all by career competing with Andy as a fellow constructor, I always had enormous respect for the way he carried himself …. with integrity, innovation, and real resilience,“ he said.
“I watched him build incredible project teams and launch many successful careers along the way. Andy was a true gentleman and a passionate advocate for our pipeline industry, both internationally through IPLOCA and here in Australia through APIA/APGA.”
Lukas, who passed last week on 19 June, is survived by his wife Donna and his sons Andy Lukas, David Lukas, John Lukas and grandchildren.
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