Turkey improves pipeline safety

Tighter security around energy infrastructure is taking effect by Iraqui Kurdistan, as recent attacks on the pipeline – which transports all of its oil globally through Turkey – have cost it approximately US$250 million due to a stop in oil pumping.

The pipeline

Turkey purchases 98% of the pipelines natural gas, and more than 90% of its crude oil. These imports had a value of US$61 billion in 2014, and consequently helped to increase its current account deficit – US$45.84 billion the same year.

The pipeline has a capacity to transport nearly 550 000 bpd to the Turkish port, with the intentions of increasing these exports to 1 million bpd by the end of next year.

Tighter security measures

The 650 km long portion of the Iraqi pipeline – stretching from Silopi, a town on the Turkish border, to the southern port of Ceyhan – shall have protective measures employed. Thermal cameras will be set up on locations along the pipeline, which has been identified as most vulnerable to attacks.

Horseback patrols will also be dispatched in order to monitor the pipelines.

In addition, these measures will also stop the criminal activity of tapping pipelines, which has become increasingly common.

Edited from various sources – Reuters, Hydrocarbons Technology, Hurriyet Daily News, Daily Sabah – by Stephanie Roker

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/07082015/turkey-improves-pipeline-safety/