Repair works at gas pipeline to result in temporary pressure reduction in the Balkan direction

29 August 2016, Kyiv — During an inspection on 26 August, Ukrtransgaz, Ukraine’s transmission system operator, has detected a pipe body defect in the trunk pipeline section next to the border of Ukraine and Moldova. Until today, the gas transmission to Moldova and Balkan countries has continued at full scale.

However, the defect causes gas loss for Ukrtransgaz. In order to securely remedy the issue, the company will replace the damaged section with a new pipe.

During the repair time, the gas flows in the Balkan direction will be temporarily reduced from 40 mcm/day to approximately 18 mcm/day.

Based on preliminary estimates, the repair works will take up to 8 days. Naftogaz and Ukrtransgaz are using all available means to reduce the period. The welding works are expected to begin on Tuesday, and the gradual pipeline pressure reduction will start on Monday afternoon.

Ukrtransgaz has informed neighboring transmission system operators about the expected temporarily reduction in pipeline pressure.

The defected pipeline is located in the immediate vicinity of the state border. To perform the repairs, it is necessary to isolate a 12 km section of the pipeline using a line valve located in the territory of Moldova.

The situation poses no danger for the neighboring communities and remains under constant supervision of safety experts on the ground.