Oceanic Exploration Feasibility Study for the East Timor Pipeline

5. PIPELINE CHALLENGES

5.1 GENERAL

The pipeline water depth, as previously stated, is approximately 2,500m. There is a possibility that the water depths could be in the region of 3,000m, depending on the pipeline route chosen.

Appendix 2 details the current status of deepwater pipelines in the world. The deepest pipeline laid at present is at a water depth of 1,650m. This equates to an increase in the water depth of between 50% and 90%. It should be noted that pipelines are being designed at present for depths in excess of 3,000m.

The following section outlines the main pipeline challenges of laying a pipeline in deepwater depths. It is assumed that the maximum outside diameter for a pipeline from Bayu Undan to East Timor is 28-inch (this is justified in section 6 of this report).

• Design

  Preliminary calculations for the East Timor pipeline have determined a wall thickness of less than 45 mm of high-grade material.

  The size and wall thickness is currently at the maximum of what worldwide pipe mills can produce.

• Geo-Hazards

  No site-specific data was available for this work. This area of the project needs to be investigated in greater depth.

  From Reference [4] it appears that the area is quiescent, with no apparent earthquake activity. Other pipelines have been laid/designed over similar areas such as Malampaya, Oman to India and Sakahlin to Japan.

• Side Slope Stability

  Generally, side slope stability along the pipeline route needs to be confirmed by performing a site survey. A suitable route could be found along the south coast of East Timor.

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