The 1510-km long pipeline system connects the Tengiz field in Kazakhstan with the sea terminal near Novorossiysk in Russia. The 40-in diameter, 130.3-km long, replacement section of the follows a new route that is more distant from the Caspian Sea’s than the existing pipeline. Its construction along the new right-of-way increases the environmental safety of transporting oil in the region.
The welding was carried out using a PWT semi-automatic welding unit. Hand welding of the pipeline was also required along parts of the route where complex working conditions were encountered, particularly in areas of salt marsh and sections with a large number of road and rail crossings. The new pipeline is being prepared for hydrotesting and in-line inspection, following successful completion of which it will go live. Before the end of the year, Stroytransgaz will decommission and remove the exiting line.