Pipeline technology specialist, STATS Group, has been commissioned by UAE-headquartered oil and gas EPC contractor, National Petroleum Construction Company (NPCC), on behalf of a National Operating Company to provide pipeline isolation, hot tapping and plugging services to the world’s largest diameter subsea pipeline intervention project
The scope of work will include the hot tapping and double block and bleed isolation of multiple pipelines with diameters ranging from 42” up to 56” in the Middle East region, using STATS SureTap hot tapping machines and its patented BISEP technology.
Mark Gault, STATS Group’s general manager Middle East, commented, “We believe this project to be a first in the world. As far as we are aware, there have been no other subsea intervention projects of this complexity or scale that involve subsea isolations on pipelines of 56” diameter.
“We have made a significant product development investment with three new large-diameter hot tapping machines and the associated isolation assets capable of handling this unique work scope. Relatedly, we are delighted to have increased our BISEP DNV Type Approval status up to 56”.”
He continued, “Our strategy of putting in the hard yards in terms of investing in our asset base in the Middle East and in employing and training locally based staff has put us in a strong position to expand further in the region. We are continuing to recruit more staff, not only to support this exciting project with NPCC, but also in response to a broader increase in regional project work following the uncertainties of Covid-related lockdowns.”
Ahmed Al Dhaheri, CEO of NPCC, remarked, “We are proud of this new collaboration with STATS Group, market leaders in the supply of pressurised pipeline isolation, hot tapping and plugging services to the global energy industry. NPCC has always been a pioneer in delivering mega projects, and we will continue to support and enhance our clients’ infrastructure to meet the technical, safety and environmental standards required.”
Significant investment by STATS has extended its range of hot tapping machines, which can now cater for up to 60” diameter cuts. In addition, STATS has also extended its DNV Type Approval on its BISEP and Tecno Plug technologies, up to 56” in size.
