Corus Tubes, Europe’s second largest steel producer for oil and gas operators and contractors, has won a contract to manufacture and deliver linepipe for one of the world’s deepest pipelines – the Perdido Norte project in the Gulf of Mexico.
“We are delighted to have been selected to manufacture and deliver line pipe for such a ground-breaking development which is pushing the boundaries of exploration and production to access deeper depths and resources. Corus Tubes has a strong track record of success in challenging offshore projects and our pipes are already in service in the deepest operational waters worldwide,” said Corus Tubes Energy Business director Tim Bird.
Corus Tubes has been contracted by Williams to deliver 312 km of uncoated steel linepipe, for use in ultra-deep water depths ranging from 3 500 – 8 300 feet with a rugged seabed terrain. The pipe will be manufactured to withstand a service rating equivalent to ANSI 1 500.
The linepipe, which is 18″ in diameter, will be laid in the first half of 2008. One section of the pipeline will transfer hydrocarbons from the FPS Host in Alaminos Canyon 857, and will finish in East Breaks Block 994. The complete gas pipeline will terminate at Williams Seahawk pipeline in East Breaks Block 599.
“This project reflects our capabilities in pipe production and delivery and capitalises upon the deployment of the world’s strongest ‘C’ and ‘O’ presses, allowing us to create a pipe which combines relatively small outside diameter, a thick wall and very tight dimensional tolerances,” said Bird.