Stroytransgaz Begins Welding for the Sixth Section of the ESPO
Monday, November 24, 2008
Stroytransgaz has begun welding-assembly work on a new section, the sixth, of the Eastern Siberia-Pacific Ocean oil pipeline. This section is situated in the area of Olyokminsk in the Republic of Sahka (Yakutia).
The new segment of the oil pipeline, which will run 52 kilometers and have a diameter of 1,220 millimeters, is located between the 1,756-kilometer and the 1809-kilometer marks of the ESPO route. Stroytransgaz obtained the construction contract in late October 2008.
To address the lack of infrastructure in the work area, Stroytransgaz developed a complex transportation plan that enabled the company, in record time, to deliver all essential heavy building equipment and materials from other sites. It used vehicles, railways, and transport via the Lena River to move equipment more than 1,000 kilometers and to mobilize the construction brigades. The route is fully prepared for operations start-up; the pipe welding base has been assembled and is functioning.
Presently seam welding is in process on the right bank of the Lena River. Welding of double-tube sections is proceeding simultaneously on the left bank of the Lena River. During the winter, when the sections are ready, an ice ferry will deliver them to the site’s right-of-way on the right bank.
Additional information
Stroytransgaz has taken part in realizing the ESPO project since 2006. Of the 2,757 kilometers in the first stage of oil pipeline, the company is constructing six sections totaling 456.7 kilometers and also building the Skovorodino oil pumping station at the terminus of the first line. To fulfill this work, Stroytransgaz has drawn on its own resources as well employing subsidiary companies.
The first stage of the ESPO is characterized by considerable length and absence of transportation and industrial infrastructure. Its geological, hydrological, and seismic conditions are very complex. Because of this, Stroytransgaz has devoted special attention to the level of professionalism of specialists in its construction divisions. The company was the first among contracting organizations participating in the ESPO to receive a certificate attesting to the conformity of its quality management system with GOST R ISO 9001-2001 and РД-03.120.10-КТН-038-07, Requirements of Contracting Organizations in the Transneft System.
