Alexander Ananenkov, Deputy Chairman of Gazprom’s Management Committee, held a Meeting on enhancing the security of the United Gas Transmission System (UGTS). Bogdan Budzulyak, Gazprom’s Management Committee Member and Head of the Company’s Gas Transportation, Underground Storage and Utilization Department, as well as chief engineers of affiliated companies and heads of contracting organizations took part in the Meeting.

The parties discussed the strategy and arrangements aimed to overhaul gas pipelines, repair insulating coating, conduct pipeline system pigging and improve pipeline repair works.

Reference:

The UGTS is the world’s largest gas transmission system comprising gas production, processing, transportation and underground storage facilities. Total length of gas mains accounts for over 150 thousand km and their total throughput averages 600 bcm of gas per annum.

By applying the most sophisticated pipe flaw detection technologies, Gazprom has received an opportunity to constantly enhance with maximum efficiency the Russian UGTS safety and security. For this purpose, the Company annually increases the scope of pigging operations carried out at the UGTS facilities.

In 2002 Gazprom adopted the Comprehensive Program on Upgrading and Technical Modernization of Gas Transmission Facilities for the Period up to 2006. The Company regularly undertakes a range of special measures aimed to inspect, repair and upgrade gas transmission facilities for ensuring the UGSS security and safety. Thus, in 2003 Gazprom overhauled 1,350 km of gas mains, spending over RUR 16 billion. More than RUR 22.5 billion are planned to be channeled for repairing 1,900 km of gas pipelines, this year.

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