The Zeepipe pigging challenge

According to the author, by adopting the long-distance pigging concept, both precommissioning and commissioning operations of an 810-km subsea gas pipe line in the North Sea will be simplified. Need for a midline platform on the Sleipner-to-Zeebrugge pipe line has been eliminated. And, more cost-effective alternatives have been used for compressor tie-in. This has further reduced maintenance requirements and has also eliminated pig handling during the operational phase. Moreover, the number of offshore operations is reduced and need for special vessels and flotels is eliminated. Both precommissioning and commissioning pigging operations will now be done from on-shore.