To increase efficiency in pipeline construction, examinations on new welding processes for joining of pipes are indispensable. To this end, increasing productivity of the welding process but also requirements on the material are of immediate importance. Hence, a possible alternative is laser beam GMA hybrid welding. The techno-logical approach is the use of the laser typical deep penetration effect for the generation of a high quality free root pass or a complete weld in one step. The results of the technology and equipment developments and their performance under construction site similar conditions are given by this presentation. A high laser power and the advantages of its guidance via fiber optics allow the use of orbital welding.