Execution of Marine Pipelines Using Microtunneling
(Pipe Jacking) Method
The Negin Mokran Petrochemical Complex (NMPC) is a key initiative to establish Iran’s third petrochemical hub in the Chabahar Free Trade-Industrial Zone. To support this strategic development, Mokran Abniroo Company (MAN), a subsidiary of NMPC, commissioned the Seawater Intake and Outfall System–Phase I, designed to supply 560,000 cubic meters of seawater per day for desalination and industrial cooling.
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Given the project’s location along the Oman Sea, characterized by rough sea conditions, strong waves, and a rocky seabed, traditional open-trenching for pipeline installation was not feasible. Instead, Delta Offshore Technology, as the EPC contractor, adopted an innovative trenchless technique (Microtunneling technology) to ensure minimal seabed disturbance, enhanced pipeline durability, and environmental compliance.
Introduction
Introduction
The Negin Mokran Petrochemical Complex (NMPC) is a key initiative to establish Iran’s third petrochemical hub in the Chabahar Free Trade-Industrial Zone. To support this strategic development, Mokran Abniroo Company (MAN), a subsidiary of NMPC, commissioned the Seawater Intake and Outfall System–Phase I, designed to supply 560,000 cubic meters of seawater per day for desalination and industrial cooling.
Delta Offshore Technology’s Scope of Work
Delta Offshore Technology’s Scope of Work
As the appointed EPC contractor, Delta Offshore Technology was responsible for the end-to-end execution of the project, which included:
- Basic and Detailed Engineering Design: Validating and optimizing the intake and outfall system to meet operational and environmental standards.
- Procurement and Material Supply: Sourcing concrete jacking pipes and advanced microtunneling equipment for the project.
- Construction and Installation: Deploying cutting-edge trenchless technique (microtunneling technology) to install the intake and outfall pipelines without creating a trench in the seabed.
- Commissioning and System Integration: Ensuring the seamless functionality of the seawater intake and discharge system for uninterrupted operations.
Project Challenges & Innovative Solutions
Project Challenges & Innovative Solutions
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Harsh Offshore Conditions
- Challenge: The project site is exposed to strong currents, high-energy waves, and potential tsunamis (last recorded in 1945).
- Solution: Delta Offshore Technology designed below-seabed pipeline placement by using trenchless technology to prevent damage from environmental forces.
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Environmental Compliance
- Challenge: The Oman Sea’s ecosystem required an approach that minimized seabed disturbance.
- Solution: The microtunneling technology eliminated dredging, preserving marine life and preventing seabed erosion.
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Technical Complexity
- Challenge: The hard rock seabed made conventional pipeline trenching infeasible.
- Solution: Precision-controlled MTBM drilling allowed accurate placement of the intake and outfall pipelines beneath the seabed’s layer by using ELS (Electronic Laser system), GNS (Gyro Navigation System), And HWL (Height Water Level) navigation systems.
Project Outcome
Project Outcome
Delta Offshore Technology successfully completed the seawater intake and outfall pipeline system, ensuring:
- Safe and uninterrupted seawater supply for industrial operations.
- Minimal environmental footprint through advanced trenchless technology.
- Enhanced durability and long-term resilience in extreme offshore conditions.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- Cutting-Edge Engineering: Delta Offshore Technology leveraged state-of-the-art microtunneling and concrete jacking pipes solutions.
- Environmental Responsibility: The trenchless installation method ensured zero seabed disruption, preserving the Oman Sea’s delicate marine ecosystem.
- Operational Excellence: The innovative engineering approach eliminated pipeline displacement risks while ensuring long-term operational efficiency.
This project exemplifies Delta Offshore Technology’s leadership in offshore infrastructure, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in complex marine construction and energy solutions.