I just got an interesting news related to emergency pipeline repair! Sources indicates that Petronas is in discussion with all its local (Malaysia) PSC (Production Sharing Contract) to share resources for all pipeline repair jobs.
PSC = Petronas Carigali, Nippon Oil, ExxonMobil, Shell, Newfield Exploration Company, Murphy Oil, Talisman Energy, Hess Corporation and otherss.
The issue was discussed during SEAPOG EPRES (South East Asia Pipeline Operators Group Emergency Pipeline Repair Equipment Sharing) meeting. The possible emergency pipeline repair equipment to be shared includes:
- Pressure containment clamps.
- Composite repair equipment.
- Mechanical connectors.
- Elbow bends and connectors.
- Line pipes.
I strongly believe that PLIDCO will be one of the items considered in this pool of resources. So next time should any pipeline repair tender coming out, the methodology will be driven by resources available within the PSC. As my personal experience in one of the pipeline repair job, PLIDCO was not considered during that time. The more ‘primitive’ approach was used since the job does not affecting the production. The methodology used was, CUT & REPLACE with spool. Btw, for those who are not very familiar with PLIDCO, here is the video stating their strength in pipeline repair.