OREANDA-NEWS. August 30, 2007. Vyksa Steel Works (VSW OJSC, Nizhni Novgorod Region, part of United Metallurgical Company (OMK CJSC) has carried out its first order from Petroleum Development of Oman (PDO) oil-and-gas company to produce large-diameter pipes meant for construction of a pipeline.In May, VSW was included in PDO's list of certified suppliers of main pipes.

Under its agreement with PDO, VSW has produced 1,400 tonnes (more than 5 km) of large-diameter pipes of 762 mm in diameter (wall thickness: 15.9 mm) according to API – 5L standards. Pipes were manufactured in the presence of PDO representatives, who also familiarized themselves with the VSW technical capability, equipment, and quality management system.

Petroleum Development of Oman is one of the leaders in the Middle East energy market. The Government of Oman owns 60% of the company, Shell - 35%, Total and several other shareholders - 5%. PDO accounts for more than 90% of crude oil and nearly 100% of natural gas production in Oman's fields.

VSW is involved in multipurpose activities to master production of new types of pipes for the world's leading energy companies. The plant is making preparations for commercial production of pipes for the subsea section of the Nord Stream project. In April, OMK received certification to DNV-OS-F101 of Norway-based Det Norske Veritas and the Nord Stream project specifications. OMK became the first DNV-OS-F101 certified producer of pipes for subsea pipeline systems in Russia and CIS countries.