Oil pipeline construction started at the Messoyakha Cluster

Messoyakhaneftegaz began constructing a pressure oil pipeline from the Messoyakha field cluster located in northern Yamalo-Nenetskiy Autonomous Area to the Zapolyarye-Purpe trunk pipeline system.

The oil pipeline with a maximum throughput capacity of 7 million tpy will be laid from both sides at the same time for a total length of 96.5 km. Oil transportation is planned to be started in late 2016 upon commissioning of the Vostochno-Messoyakhskoe field. The subsoil user already signed a preliminary agreement for oil transfer by the Zapolyarye-Purpe system with Transneft.

The Messoyakha fields are the northernmost known onshore oilfields in Russia. The project considers the need to minimise the impact on the polar environment and warrant safe and reliable operation of the oil transportation system in the harsh climate. In particular, to conserve the permafrost layers, the oil pipeline is being placed on special supports with thermal stabilisation of the soil. The system of permanent control of the line condition and integrity uses a special fiber optic cable laid along the entire track. The oil pipeline will also be equipped with fire and security alarms and a video surveillance system.

The Indikyakha and Muduiyakha rivers encountered by the pipeline will be crossed under ground without disturbing the riverbeds. To create the required underground tunnels, they will employ directional drilling. In the locations of deer migration and travels of indigenous people, the project provides for construction of 14 special passes and crossings.

The pipeline construction project received a positive opinion of Glavgosexpertiza. In addition to that, upon discussion with nongovernmental organisations and deer herding community leaders, they selected a pipeline route that does not cross valuable grazing areas where the indigenous small peoples of the North carry on their economic activity.

Adapted from press release by Hannah Priestley-Eaton

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/project-news/05112014/oil-pipeline-construction-started-at-the-messoyakha-cluster/