Friction Stir Welding (FSW), a recently developed joining technology, has been demonstrated to exhibit several, significant advantages over current, qualified welding processes for pipeline construction.FSW is not yet however, a qualified or commercial technology for this application, but because of industry interest and the potential opportunity to realize economic and application benefits,commercialization activities should be pursued.FSW principles of operation are presented, along with process advantages, which include economic and personnel safety.Recommendations regarding selection of a target commercialization application, a test or side loop in a relatively non-critical pipeline, are made;real-time performance data will be required preparatory to full-scale pipeline construction.A listing and discussion of several requisite commercialization activities are set forth, including a discussion of applicable construction code considerations associated with the ASME B31.4 Pipeline Transportation Systems for Liquids and Slurries and API 1104, Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities.It is concluded that FSW technology is ready to be commercialized for pipeline construction, and that activities associated with this effort are warranted due to the potential economic and application benefits envisioned.