OREANDA-NEWS. March 4, 2009. Alexander Ananenkov, Deputy Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee held at the Gazprom Headquarters a meeting dedicated to the implementation of the Sakhalin – Khabarovsk – Vladivostok gas trunkline project.

Taking part in the meeting were heads and experts from the specialized subdivisions of the Gazprom Administration and subsidiaries: Gazprom invest Vostok, Mezhregiongaz, Giprogaztsentr and Gazkomplektimpex.

The meeting participants emphasized that construction of the Sakhalin – Khabarovsk – Vladivostok gas pipeline was a crucial national task and had to be implemented exactly within the stated term. In this respect, the meeting reviewed the actions targeted at launching the construction in 2009. It was pointed out that the design & estimate documentation and engineering survey on the gas pipeline route had been almost completed. Selection of basic equipment suppliers and building contractors is at the final stage. The prioritized task now is to ensure their readiness to set to work within the shortest possible time.

Special attention was paid to arranging the installation & construction works and equipment supplies. The prompt fulfillment of these tasks will enable to commission the gas pipeline and ensure gas deliveries to Vladivostok in the third quarter of 2011.

The meeting participants also discussed engineering and construction issues related to distribution networks in Vladivostok as well as gas supply to the Russkiy Island.

Based on the meeting results the specialized subdivisions of Gazprom and subsidiary companies were authorized with the tasks aimed at ensuring a timely implementation of the Sakhalin – Khabarovsk – Vladivostok project.

Background:

The September 2007 Order by the Russian Federation Industry and Energy Ministry approved the Development Program for an integrated gas production, transportation and supply system in Eastern Siberia and the Far East, taking into account potential gas exports to China and other Asia-Pacific countries (Eastern Gas Program). Gazprom was appointed by the Russian Federation Government as the Program execution coordinator.

The Eastern Gas Program prioritizes, inter alia, constructing and developing the Sakhalin – Khabarovsk – Vladivostok gas transmission system. According to the order of the Russian Federation Government and the decision of the Board of Directors adopted in September 2008, Gazprom is currently developing the gas transmission network in order to promote the gasification of the Khabarovsk Krai and Sakhalin Oblast as well as to arrange gas supply to the Primorsky Krai, starting from the third quarter of 2011.

Gazprom invest Vostok (a wholly owned subsidiary of Gazprom) is the investment projects customer for the construction of the Sakhalin – Khabarovsk – Vladivostok gas trunkline.