"WTO oil pipeline's reserve section has been expanded by Transneft-Far East"
The Eastern Siberia - Pacific Ocean (ESPO) oil pipeline, a significant infrastructure facilitating Russian oil exports to the Asia-Pacific region, has recently completed its subsea section across the Ussuri River. This section, spanning 400 meters, is part of a larger project that also includes a 360-meter subsea crossing across the Stepanovka Strait, making up more than 11 km of the pipeline's linear part [1][4].
The dunker laying operation, which took place over two days, was a crucial part of this project aimed at enhancing the operational reliability of the ESPO oil pipeline in the Primorsky Krai [2]. However, as of July 2025, the current status and timeline for the operation of this specific subsea section remain unreported publicly [3].
The backup string of this subsea crossing is planned to be put into operation in 2026. The subsea section consists of two strings welded into a single line, and industrial ecological control has been organized during the entire period of work at the construction site. The project also includes the arrangement of two valve control nodes, launch and reception chambers for pipeline cleaning and diagnostic equipment [1].
The operation involved 11 pipelaying vessels and other specialized equipment. The subsea section underwent mandatory strength and tightness tests, hydrostatic tests, and was inspected using an in-line defectoscope. Diagnostics showed that the critical section of the subsea pipeline meets the safety standards [2].
For up-to-the-minute construction or operational updates on this specific segment, direct inquiries with Transneft (the pipeline operator) or Russian energy ministry releases would be the recommended sources, as open-source summaries do not yet include such specifics [3].
[1] [Link to Source 1] [2] [Link to Source 2] [3] [Link to Source 3] [4] [Link to Source 4]
While the operational timeline for the completed subsea section of the ESPO oil pipeline in the Ussuri River remains unreported, the backup string of this section is planned to be put into operation in 2026, as per the project details. The reinforcement of this section is essential to ensure the financial success of the oil-and-gas industry, given its significance for Russian oil exports in the Asia-Pacific region.
