OREANDA-NEWS. May 15, 2007. United Metallurgical Company (OMK) and Gazprom have approved a joint Program for Scientific and Technological Cooperation for 2007-2009. The Program's main objective is to master the production of import-substituting and new types of pipes, as well as pipeline fittings with high technical and economic characteristics to meet Gazprom's needs.

Specialists of OMK, as well as Vyksa Steel Works and Trubodetal, part of OMK, together with VNIIGAZ and scientific research institutes under the Russian Academy of Sciences, will conduct joint research and develop new types of pipes. The efforts under the Program are meant to expand Russian manufacturers' participation in the LDP (large-diameter pipes) market, ensure reliability and durability of pipelines, and enhance qualitative characteristics of pipes produced.

In their teamwork, OMK and Gazprom specialists will focus on mastering the production of LDP for subsea gas pipeline systems, installing gas pipelines in seismic zones, as well as hydrogen sulphide and corrosion resistant pipes. The program also provides for the mastery of production of new types of pipeline fittings (PLF), which will be instrumental in substituting imported PLF for domestic ones.

"Gazprom is our strategic partner," emphasized OMK President Vladimir Markin, "and the implementation of the Program for Scientific and Technological Cooperation is aimed at meeting real needs of the gas industry. Our long-term relations with Gazprom will become more productive. The cooperation of OMK and Gazprom specialists under the Program will stimulate the advance of innovative technologies and significantly enhance the efficiency of pipe production."

OMK is the key supplier of 1,420-mm single-seam longitudinal pipes with external and internal corrosion resistant coatings rated for the working pressure of 100 atm for the onshore sections of the Nord Stream pipeline. At present, OMK has supplied more than 250,000 tonnes of pipes for the project.