OREANDA-NEWS. CJSC Messoyakhaneftegaz has begun construction of a pressure-pipeline from the Messoyakha fields, located in the north of the Yamalo-Nenetsk Autonomous Okrug, to the Zapolyarye-Purpe pipeline network.

The oil pipeline - with a maximum capacity of seven million tonnes per year and running to a total length of 96.5 kilometres - will be laid from both ends at the same time. Transportation of oil is expected to begin in late 2016, following commissioning of the Vostochno (Eastern) Messoyakhskoye field. The developers have already signed a preliminary agreement with JSC Transneft on the transportation of oil via the Zapolyarye-Purpe system.

The Messoyakhskoye fields are the northernmost of Russia's most significant onshore oilfields. Project development is having to be undertaken with full consideration of the need to minimise environmental impacts around Zapolyarye, as well as guaranteeing optimum safety in the operation of the oil transportation system, under extreme climatic conditions. In particular, in order to protect the layers of the permafrost, the pipeline is being constructed on special supports, and thermal stabilization of the soil undertaken. A system for the constant monitoring of the pipeline's state and integrity will include a special fibre-optic cable, running the full length of the route: the oil pipeline will also be equipped with fire-prevention equipment, intruder alarms, and a video surveillance system.

Crossing the routes of the Indikyakha and Muduiyakha rivers, the pipeline will be routed underground to avoid disturbing the riverbeds: directional drilling will be used to create the underground channels necessary for this. Fourteen through-ways and junctions will also be constructed in those areas impacted by the migration of deer herds and travelling indigenous populations.

Construction of the pipeline has also received the approval of state building standards and quality-control agency Glavgosekspertiza. In addition to which, following discussions with leaders of reindeer-herding communities, the pipeline route selected will not cross valuable pastures vital to their farming activities.