OREANDA-NEWS. May 31, 2010. Vyksa Steel Works (VSW, Nizhni Novgorod Region), part of United Metallurgical Company (OMK), has started producing large-diameter pipes for the construction of the second link of the international Nord Stream gas pipeline. In May, the first 10 thousand tonnes of high-technology pipes will be shipped, reported the press-centre of OMK.

OMK was selected as the preferred bidder for this project in January 2010. The Company accounts for 25% of the contract value. The remaining part is shared by Germany's Europipe (65) and Japan's Sumitomo (10%). By April 2011, VSW is supposed to produce and ship 200 kilometers of pipes (more than 200 thousand tonnes) for this project.

Vyksa Steel Works will supply X70 steel pipes of 1,220 mm in diameter having wall thickness of 34.6 mm and three-layer external corrosion-resistant coating and internal friction-reducing coating.

The contract with Nord Stream AG is the result of the successful performance by OMK and VSW of their obligations to supply pipes for the first link of the gas pipeline,” said OMK Vice President and VSW Executive Director Vladimir Kochetkov. Our participation in this project provides good experience for further professional development of our engineers, workers, and employees. Under this contract, we produce pipes having unique characteristics, which we achieved by creating high-technology production facilities and accumulating scientific and technological experience.”

Let us remind that OMK participated in supplying pipes for Nord Stream's first link. From May 2008 to November 2009, Vyksa Steel Works shipped more than 260 thousand tonnes of large-diameter pipes designed for subsea gas pipelines meeting the international standard of Norway's Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and the additional requirements of the customer specification.

The launched of the second link will make it possible to increase Nord Stream’s capacity from 27.5 to 55 bcm of gas a year.