Astana, Kazakhstan, April 17
By Daniyar Mukhtarov - Trend:
Kazakh ERSAI Caspian Contractor LLP denies any involvement in the defective pipeline at the Kashagan field.
"In light of the number of publications in some media, misinformation regarding the involvement of ERSAI Caspian Contractor LLP in the problems of a gas leakage in the pipeline of the Kashagan field, we officially and responsibly declare that the LLP did not to enter into contracts for the supply of pipes for pipeline for the Kashagan field," the statement said.
Furthermore, "ERSAI Caspian Contractor" LLP states that the company has not carried out work on welding and pipeline laying for the Kashagan field.
"Also we officially bring to the attention of all media that ERSAI Caspian Contractor LLP is not the founder of the Italian Saipem company," the statement noted.
The company expressed hope that the media will conduct an objective and professional investigation of the situation over the pipe at the Kashagan field.
Oil production at Kashagan field was launched on September 11, 2013 and was suspended on Sept. 24, following detection of a gas leak in the onshore section of the gas pipeline running from D Island to the onshore processing facility Bolashak. Kazakhstan's emergency management department and the relevant regulatory authorities were immediately informed in line with the operator's current procedures. The access to the pipeline was secured and the respective joints were replaced. Production was resumed, but again suspended on Oct.9 after showing another leak.
Hydro-testing was conducted after the repair of the damaged joint.
Other potential gas leakage points were identified during the testing. A thorough investigation was initiated.
Kashagan is one of the largest oil and gas fields of the world. The total oil reserves of the field amounts to 38 billion barrels, while some 10 billion out of them are recoverable reserves. Moreover, there are large natural gas reserves at the Kashagan field - over one trillion cubic meters.
Translated by S.I.
Edited by C.N.