Beltruboprovodstroy has completed construction of a record-setting underwater gas pipeline crossing beneath the Yenisei River in the Krasnoyarsk Territory. According to the results of concealed works certification, the length of the crossing constructed using directional drilling amounted to 2,762.55 m with a diameter of 720 mm, representing the maximum figure for this technology in Russia. The crossing is not only the longest, but also the northernmost among all those previously constructed in Russia.
The works were carried out in the area of Dudinka under a contract with Norilsktransgaz JSC (a subsidiary of Norilsk Nickel PJSC) as part of the technical upgrade project “Messoyakha – Norilsk Second Gas Pipeline String” to replace a pipeline section built in 1972. The new underwater crossing is intended to improve the reliability of gas supply to the city of Norilsk and is designed for long-term operation in the conditions of the Far North. The design service life of the facility is at least 40 years. The throughput capacity is 4.2 million cubic meters of gas per day at an operating pressure of up to 5.5 MPa.
The project became the first experience of using horizontal directional drilling for Norilsktransgaz JSC. The technology made it possible to perform the works without opening the riverbed, using water transport, or disrupting navigation, which significantly reduced environmental impact and decreased the volume of equipment and personnel involved.
Construction was carried out in the complex climatic, geological, and permafrost conditions of the Far North. The crossing beneath the Yenisei River was laid at a depth of 10 to 14 m, eliminating the risk of pipeline scouring even in the event of riverbed changes. For the execution of the works, Beltruboprovodstroy deployed high-capacity drilling rigs and a pipe thruster with a pullback force of 750 t, along with a set of lifting equipment.
The crossing under the Yenisei River has become a landmark project for the industry. Construction of such a complex facility was made possible by the extensive experience of Beltruboprovodstroy JSC. The company has successfully implemented large-scale projects, including the construction of 4,500 km of main oil and gas pipelines and over 4,000 km of distribution gas pipelines, as well as ultra-long crossings (including 28 crossings using the Direct Pipe method and more than 150 using directional drilling).