ndian Oil Corporation Ltd plans to commission its Paradip-Haldia crude oil pipeline by the end of this month. The project was to be commissioned in March 2006 and later by January 2008. However, it has been delayed due to various disputes at the project level. The cost of the project is estimated at Rs 1,178 crore.
According to IOCL sources, work was stopped at the site due to a dispute between Iranian Offshore Engineering and Construction Company and its sub-contractor. Following this, Indian Oil Corporation terminated the contract with IOEC in April 2007 and awarded it to Ocean Engineering Services, Australia, for installation of barge at site and execution of the balance jobs. OES mobilised the installation of barge at site in May 2007, but work again stopped due to unfavourable sea conditions.
The barge reached Paradip in November 2007 and anchored near the single point mooring site. The hydro testing of the offshore 48" line was completed in March 2008 along with the arrangement of hook-up of the offshore line with the station piping.
Sources confirm that, at present, all offshore activities are complete except the installation of SPM along with accessories, including anchor chain alignment and tensioning, which is in progress and is likely to be complete this month.