SPM-1 put back into operation at CPC Marine Terminal
The full scope of work to replace the buoyancy tank (BT) at the Single Point Mooring - SPM-1 was completed on 12 November 2022, CPC says in its press release. Hydro testing was accomplished successfully, crude oil is being loaded on the MINERVA SOPHIA tanker.
It is to be noted that all engineering calculations, manufacturing, installation of auxiliary and main equipment, high-tech operations of dismantling, mounting and positioning the buoyancy tank at depth were performed by the Russian specialists from CPC and contractor - Alliance.
Thanks to coordinated work of the contractor and the crew of the Commander multipurpose vessel, equipped with dynamic positioning systems, specialized diving equipment (MKVK-60) and a 140-ton crane, the damaged BT was lifted aboard the vessel on 29 October 2022. Completion of this phase allowed to proceed to submerge the new buoyancy tank and positioning it at depth.
About 80 persons were engaged in operation on board the Commander vessel. A diving team of 19 divers worked around the clock in two shifts, using two lowering devices through a moon pool. The team was constantly supported by a tele-operated unmanned underwater vehicle.
The pace of work was affected by unfavorable weather conditions and frequently changing undercurrents typical of this period. The Russian contractors performed dynamic risk assessments on a daily basis to take into consideration the evolving situation.
CPC stopped loading from two Single Point Moorings - SPM-1 and SPM-2 in August 2022 following the discovery of cracks on buoyancy tank to subsea hose connections. The stop was recommended by IMODCO, SPM manufacturer and ABS, classification society, which controls safe operation of units.
The SPM-2 buoyancy tank is currently being prepared for replacement.
The CPC Pipeline System is one of CIS largest energy investment projects that involves foreign capital. The length of the Tengiz – Novorossiysk pipeline is 1,511 km. This route moves over two thirds of all Kazakhstan export oil along with crude from Russian fields including those in the Caspian region. CPC Marine Terminal is equipped with three Single Point Moorings (SPM), allowing tankers to be loaded safely at significant distance offshore, including in poor weather conditions
CPC Shareholders: Federal Agency for State Property Management represented by Transneft (trustee) – 24%, CPC Company – 7%, KazMunayGas – 19%; Kazakhstan Pipeline Ventures LLC – 1.75%, Chevron Caspian Pipeline Consortium Company – 15%, LUKARCO B.V. - 12.5%, Mobil Caspian Pipeline Company - 7.5%, Rosneft-Shell Caspian Ventures Limited - 7.5%, BG Overseas Holding Limited - 2%, Eni International N.A. N.V. - 2%, and Oryx Caspian Pipeline LLC – 1.75%.
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Buoyance tank of SPM-1 replaced at CPC Marine Terminal>>>>
