Elering starts construction work on pipeline connection at Paldiski LNG terminal

TALLINN – Preparations for the construction of the pipeline connection of the future Paldiski liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, which began in early spring, reached real construction activity last week with transmission system operator (TSO) Elering's gas infrastructure maintenance and construction partner Connecto AS as the main contractor.

"Connecto started work in Paldiski last week, the pipeline route has been marked and preparations for the installation of the onshore pipeline are underway," Elering CEO Taavi Veskimagi said in a press release.

"It was possible to shift the start of the largest work section of the mainland part, that is the directional drilling works from the compressor to the coast, to earlier than previously expected -- the works will start already in July," he added.

The construction of the connection to be built by Elering will be divided into four major phases: onshore pipeline from the compression station to the sea, offshore pipeline from the coast to the mooring quay, the gas equipment on the mooring quay and the connection device between the quay and the floating terminal to receive gas from the vessel. Although the work to establish the connection will start on land first, the launch of substantive activities for the realization of other stages in the near future is not ruled out.

Elering has most of the equipment and materials needed to build the LNG floating terminal connection. 12-meter pipeline sections for the construction of both onshore and offshore pipelines, which have the longest delivery time, are awaiting work in the area of the compression station. Important specific quick-closing valves have also been purchased, which will ensure safety in the event of an accident.

In total, the list of equipment and materials needed to establish the connection includes about 100 different products. The length of the connection from the compression station to the mooring quay is approximately 1.2 kilometers.