6
World Pipelines
/
JULY 2015
IN BRIEF
Canada
The Government of Canada has
accepted the NEB’s recommendation to
approve the North Montney Mainline
Pipeline project, subject to
45 conditions. The CAN$1.7 billion
project will transport natural gas from
northeastern British Columbia to the
existing NGTL system.
China
China has started construction of a
pipeline to receive Russian gas. The
Power of Siberia pipeline extension
should deliver 38 billion m
3
/yr of gas to
China over 30 years, with first deliveries
scheduled for 2019.
India
The first phase of the Jagdishpur-Haldia
pipline project of GAIL (India) Ltd has
commenced after the Minister of State
for Petroleum and Natural Gas
inaugurated the project. The pipeline is
part of Government’s vision of doubling
the natural gas pipeline network to over
30 000 km in the next five years.
South Korea
Construction of Subsea 7’s new heavy
construction vessel, the
Seven Arctic
, is
proceeding on schedule with the vessel
targeted for delivery in 2016. The vessel,
which is in dry dock in South Korea, is
being readied for the installation of key
capabilities including a 600 t vertical lay
system and a 900 t crane.
UK
The UK government has introduced a
new Energy Bill that is designed to
increase energy security. The bill was
introduced during the Queen’s Speech at
the State Opening of Parliament 2015.
USA
Applus RTD is to open an office in
Corpus Christi, Texas, following
increased demand for its non-
destructive testing services from the
region’s energy industry.
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Harkand completes BG campaign
Harkand has successfully completed its
first campaign in the Caribbean for BG
Trinidad & Tobago. The 75 day ROV
subsea support services project was
concluded at the start of March by the
team on board Harkand’s multi-purpose
vessel the
Go Electra
in the waters off
Trinidad and Tobago.
The workscope included carrying
out ultrasonic technology scans, free
span pipeline rectification work, subsea
control module change outs, and the
supply and installation of anode pods
and clamps at various locations.
Harkand Europe Managing Director
David Kerr said: “We are pleased to
have carried out this scope of work to
meet [BG’s] requirements in Trinidad
and Tobago, especially at this
challenging time of year which is out
with the usual IRM weather season in
the region.”
Horizon Pipeline expansion
Pembina Pipeline Corporation will
expand its existing Horizon Pipeline
System for an estimated capital cost
of approximately CAN$125 million.
The Horizon Expansion will
increase the pipeline’s capacity up to
250 000 bpd, which will be achieved
predominantly through the upgrading
of mainline pump stations and other
facility modifications, as required.
Subject to regulatory and
environmental approvals, the Horizon
Expansion is expected to be in service
mid 2016.
Andrew Gruszecki, Pembina’s Vice
President, Oil Sands & Heavy Oil,
commented: “The Horizon Expansion
reinforces the strategic nature of
Pembina’s existing Oil Sands & Heavy
Oil asset base. Furthermore, the
Horizon Expansion, which is
underpinned by a long-term
agreement, will be beneficial to our
shareholders by adding to our growing
cost-of-service, low risk cash flow
streams.”
Horizon, a 513 km pipeline, was
originally commissioned in 2008 and
built to connect Canadian Natural
Resources Limited’s Horison Oil Sands
facility to refineries, export pipelines
and other delivery location in the
Edmonton area.
Horizon is operated under the
terms of a 25 year fixed return
contract, which expires in 2034.
Calgary-based Pembina Pipeline
Corporation is a transportation and
midstream service provider that has
been serving North America’s energy
industry for over 60 years.
Exova wins Kaombo Project contract
Exova has been awarded a £2.5 million contract
by CRC-Evans Offshore to provide pipeline
material, welding and AUT qualification testing
for the Kaombo Project offshore Luanda in
Angola.
Pipelaying is expected to begin early 2016
on the ultra-deepwater offshore project that
will involve 59 subsea wells connected by
300 km of pipelines at water depths of 1400 -
1950 m. As well as AUT validation, the pre-
production qualification requirements include
mechanical testing, fracture mechanics, fatigue
and sulphide stress cracking corrosion tests.
Four of Exova’s specialised laboratories will
be involved in delivering the technically
demanding services. Crack tip opening
displacement and routine mechanical testing
will be carried out in Edinburgh, with Exova’s
Corrosion Centre in Dudley performing the
sulphide stress corrosion tests, and single edge
notched tension and full scale riser fatigue
testing conducted at Daventry. The large
number of specimens requiring sub-sized
straining and ageing will be shared between
Exova’s Daventry and Spijkenisse, Netherlands
facility.
Mike Pooley, Managing Director, Europe for
Exova, said: “Kaombo is a major ultra-
deepwater offshore project for Angola and is
taking place in highly challenging sweet and
sour service. The comprehensive range of
testing we are carrying out, some of which is
unique to Exova, will provide the project team
with the information they need to ensure the
design, welding procedures and materials used
are fit for purpose and can cope with these
harsh operating conditions in the long-term.
This new contract further underlines how the
Exova European laboratory network can
support customer projects in locations across
the globe.”
