Oil and Gas Pipelines in the Black-Caspian Seas Region

Frontmatter

Introduction

Abstract

This book takes together and systematizes the information about the pipeline projects that were accomplished or discussed beginning from the late 1980s to the mid-second decade of the twenty-first century in the Black Sea and Caspian Sea regions. Using the abundant data available on this issue, the authors investigated the state and perspectives of oil and gas production in the countries of the Black Sea and Caspian Sea regions and described numerous projects, each of which made its own weighty contribution into the development of the pipeline transport in this part of the world. This book is intended for specialists in international relations in the field of energy, regional relations, for experts studying the socioeconomic and political development of the countries of the Black Sea and Caspian Sea regions.

Sergey S. Zhiltsov

Geographic Characteristics of the Black-Caspian Seas Region

Abstract

Existing and planned oil and gas pipelines cross or should cross the Caspian and Black Seas, the Caucasus, Mountains in Turkey and Iran, the Karakum Desert, and numerous rivers. Analysis of natural factors causing emergency situations becomes the key issue in assessment of environmental risks. In the Caspian Sea, such natural factors include storms, ice conditions in the Northern Caspian, sea level change, surges, extreme waves, coastal zone flooding, and hazardous geological and geomorphological conditions, such as earthquakes, gas saturated zones, etc. In the Black Sea, these are big depths, hydrosulfide layer deeper than 100 m, unstable sediments on the continental slope and earthquakes. Mountains in Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Iran, Turkmenistan, and Russia represent natural barriers for construction and exploitation of pipelines. This chapter briefly reviews main geographic characteristics in the Black-Caspian Seas Region which impede construction of land and offshore oil and gas pipelines.

Andrey G. Kostianoy, Igor S. Zonn, Evgeniia A. Kostianaia

Hydrocarbon Potential of the Caspian Region

Abstract

The role of the Caspian Region is determined by its mineral resources. They are rather copious, but estimates of their reserves vary significantly. The greatest focus is on large fields with commercial reserves in which development is cost-effective.

Sergey S. Zhiltsov, Igor S. Zonn, Aleksandr V. Semenov

Oil and Gas Production in the Black Sea Shelf

Abstract

Depletion of land hydrocarbon deposits in the Black Sea countries spurred the interest to oil and gas production in the shelf area of the Black Sea. Practically all Black Sea countries are persistent in their attempts to promote the projects on the development of the hydrocarbon potential of the Black Sea. Hydrocarbon resources are considered in the countries of this region as an important factor of energy security. The evolution of the policies of the Black Sea countries in hydrocarbon development, international cooperation, and problems faced by the Black Sea states in the development of the Black Sea shelf are considered.

Igor S. Zonn, Sergey S. Zhiltsov

Investigation of the Hydrocarbon Potential in the Black Sea Region: First Results

Abstract

In the recent decade, all Black Sea countries focused much attention on investigations of the hydrocarbon deposits in the Black Sea area, in particular, evaluation of the potential reserves of oil and natural gas. Most energetic actions in this direction are taken by Turkey, Bulgaria, Ukraine, and Romania. This is connected with gradual depletion of the fields that have been operated for long.

Sergey S. Zhiltsov, Igor S. Zonn

Pipeline Architecture of the Black Sea–Caspian Sea Region: Geographical and Political Issues

Abstract

The modern pipeline architecture of the Black Sea–Caspian Sea region started shaping in late 1991 when after the breakup of the USSR the new independent states appeared on the coast of the Black and Caspian seas: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan, on the Caspian, and Ukraine and Georgia, on the Black Sea. And immediately they became the focus of attention of the leading world countries and oil and gas companies seeking implementation of new pipeline projects for hydrocarbon transit to the foreign markets.

Igor S. Zonn

Russia’s Policy Toward the Pipeline Transport in the Caspian Region: Results and Prospects

Abstract

After the breakdown of the USSR, the positions of Russia in pipeline transport in the Caspian region have changed. The appearance of new independent states on the Caspian shores put an end to the domination of the Russian influence in energy exports. For over two decades, Russia’s policy in the Caspian region concerning the pipeline transport was subject to evolution. Russia had to take into consideration the emergence of new export routes developed by the Caspian states in support of the leading oil and gas companies, the USA, and EU and also availability of new potential pipeline projects.

Sergey S. Zhiltsov

EU Policy in Shaping the Pipeline Architecture in the Caspian Region

Abstract

The European Union (EU) energy policy in the Caspian Region that includes such littoral states as Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan took its shape gradually. The new data about availability of considerable hydrocarbon resources in the new Caspian states, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan focused its growing attention on extraction and delivery of potential volumes of oil and natural gas to the European countries. And the European states initiated new pipeline projects. The energy diplomacy played an important role in creation of new energy flows that became an essential element of the shaping system of international relations in the Caspian Region.

Sergey S. Zhiltsov

Chinese Pipeline Projects in the Caspian Region

Abstract

China started focusing the growing attention to the hydrocarbon resources of the Caspian region already after the breakdown of the USSR. That time such interest implied only the scientific study of the hydrocarbon potential of the Caspian states. After disintegration of the USSR, the energy policy of China passed several stages: from obtaining access to oil and gas deposits in the countries of this region to construction of export pipelines supplying hydrocarbons to China. The policy of China in the Caspian region led to considerable changes in international relations. The cooperation of the Caspian countries with China in the energy area was broadened enormously: China invested into development of the oil and natural gas deposits and implemented pipeline projects for export of their hydrocarbon resources to foreign markets.

Sergey S. Zhiltsov, Olga G. Grishicheva

Iranian Direction of Hydrocarbon Transport: Present State and Difficulties

Abstract

After USSR breakdown, the Caspian countries, primarily Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, focused much attention on the hydrocarbon transportation to Iran. And plenty of projects on the construction of pipelines across the Iranian territory were developed. But due to complications in the relations between Iran and Western countries, only a few of them was implemented. As a result, Iran’s participation in resolving the issues of Caspian hydrocarbon transportation was rather limited. Nevertheless, the most advantageous geographical location of Iran still draws to this country great attention on the part of the Caspian countries.

Igor S. Zonn, Aleksander V. Semenov

Export of Hydrocarbons from Turkmenistan: Results and Perspectives

Abstract

In the recent two decades, the energy policy of Turkmenistan has changed a lot. Possessing enormous natural gas and oil deposits which development started in the Soviet times, Turkmenistan had no access to the world markets. The consistent efforts of Turkmenistan brought positive results – this country became one of the key suppliers of natural gas from the Caspian region. But, at the same time, the oil deposits in Turkmenistan are developed poorly.

Igor S. Zonn, Sergey S. Zhiltsov, Aleksandr V. Semenov

Kazakhstan Pipeline Policy in the Caspian Region

Abstract

This article considers promising trends ın Kazakhstan's oil and gas infrastructure development and defines problems related to the issues of using the existing pipelines. At this point, the author notes that the key values for subsequent increase of transport and logistics facilities in Kazakhstan are both implementation of the multi-vector policy in the sphere of pipeline routes diversification and targeted development of cooperation with foreign partners in the oil and gas industry. The article also notes that the geopolitical features of the Caspian region have a direct impact on the formation of country’s strategic course in the field of pipeline transport.

Lidiya A. Parkhomchik

Potential Oil Pipeline Projects in the Black Sea: Caspian Region

Abstract

The information about availability of considerable hydrocarbon resources in the Black Sea–Caspian region that appeared in the 1990s stirred greater interest of the Caspian and Black Sea states to the development and implementation of new pipeline projects. However, by the beginning of the second decade of the twenty-first century, only a few of the suggested projects were realized. Nevertheless, many projects for oil export to foreign markets remain relevant and can be implemented in case new hydrocarbon deposits are developed, which will require, of course, additional capacities for their transit to foreign markets.

Sergey S. Zhiltsov

Multilateral Cooperation in the Black Sea Region in the Energy Field

Abstract

This article analyzes the state of international cooperation in the field of energy in the Black Sea region. The problems and prospects associated with the development of pipelines for transport of hydrocarbons and their influence are examined at the level of international stability.

Andrey V. Ishin

Experience of Azerbaijan in Construction of Main Oil and Gas Pipelines in the Caspian Sea Region: Environmental Aspects

Abstract

This article is devoted to the experience obtained in the construction of main oil and gas pipelines, historical achievements, ecological aspects in the period of pipeline construction and operation, and also pipelines to be laid in the future.

Azerbaijan is a country which has a great history and experience in exploration, production, processing, and transportation in the oil and gas industry.

There has been several comments about oil presence and its exploitation in the stories of authors, who lived in the Middle Ages.

The first oil well in the world was drilled in the Absheron Peninsula in Azerbaijan in 1846. The Azerbaijan oil industry has gone through various progress stages, and a great deal of oil and gas deposits has been discovered and started to be exploited during that period.

Rafiga Huseynzade, Azer Aliyev

The Bulgarian Gas Transmission System: Status Quo and Vision for Future Development

Abstract

The gas pipeline infrastructure on the territory of Bulgaria currently has a total length in operation of about 2,650 km and consists of two main pipeline grids, national and transit ones, constructed from 1964 up to now. The expansion of both systems is continuing. Strategic purpose is construction of interconnectors of Bulgarian gas system with the neighboring countries, mainly with Greece (IGB) and Turkey (ITB). The Bulgarian gas transmission system with minimal investments can provide quick, safe, and the cheapest transport of natural gas in all directions that the gas market in the region determined.

Georgi V. Georgiev, Angel G. Semerdjiev

Environmental Risks in Production and Transportation of Hydrocarbons in the Caspian–Black Sea Region

Abstract

Environmental risks in production and transportation of hydrocarbons in the Caspian–Black Sea Region are discussed. Natural factors include storms, ice conditions in the Northern Caspian, sea level change, surges, extreme waves, flooding of the coastal zone, earthquakes, etc. Anthropogenic factors include accidents with tankers and oil/gas platforms at sea, damages of offshore pipelines (corrosion), violations of the rules and regulations of works in the construction and repair, violation of technical specifications in the manufacture of pipes and equipment, erroneous actions of operational and maintenance personnel, criminal punches, terrorism, sabotage, etc. The laying of pipelines leads to deforestation and degradation of agricultural lands, historical sites and monuments, nature reserves, and protected areas. Oil leaks in case of damage and improper use of pipelines cause pollution of drinking water sources, lands, and residential areas; violations of the habitat of plants and animals; and heavy man-made disasters: explosions and fires, often with fatalities. Some examples of offshore accidents in the oil and gas industry of the Caspian Sea are discussed.

Igor S. Zonn, Andrey G. Kostianoy

Satellite Monitoring of Dzhubga-Lazarevskoye-Sochi Offshore Gas Pipeline Construction

Abstract

Construction of the offshore gas pipeline “Dzhubga–Lazarevskoye–Sochi” in 2009–2010 aimed to increase reliability of gas supply on the Black Sea coast and to provide gas for the facilities involved in the Olympic Games 2014 in Sochi. The purpose of the monitoring project was to organize and perform integrated satellite monitoring in the eastern part of the Black Sea in the framework of industrial environmental monitoring and control of the construction of the offshore gas pipeline from March to October 2010. We show brief results of the monitoring which was focused on the near-real time control of total suspended matter (TSM) concentration in the coastal zone, monitoring of water dynamics, river plumes, and water areas with high concentration of suspended matter.

Andrey G. Kostianoy, Evgeniia A. Kostianaia, Dmitry M. Soloviev

Co.L.Mar.: Subsea Leak Detection with Passive Acoustic Technology

Abstract

We briefly review the capabilities of the Co.L.Mar acoustic detectors designed for oil and gas leakages from the offshore pipelines. In 1998–2015, Co.L.Mar had 76 project all over the world, including six companies in the Caspian Sea and three companies in the Black Sea. In total we have detected 43 subsea leaks, including one in Bulgaria in April 2004. Several key studies are presented. The discussion is focused on new versions of the acoustic leak detectors (ALD) which allow to work in the ice-covered conditions at very low temperatures; in very shallow regions; to detect inward leaks directed inside the pipeline due to high hydrostatic pressure and to perform a permanent monitoring of the subsea installations.

Luigi Barbagelata, Andrey G. Kostianoy

Conclusions

Abstract

This book describes concisely the architecture of the oil and gas pipelines in the Caspian–Black Sea Region. The marine geographical (oceanographic) approach assumes that the Caspian–Black Sea Region includes countries, more precisely, the subjects of these countries located on the coasts of the Caspian and Black seas. The economic integration based on the oil and gas pipelines takes together different parts of this region and turns it into something whole. Nearly 25 years have passed from the time when three former republics of the Soviet Union – Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan, being the Caspian littoral states – changed radically and now determine the geopolitical situation in this region.

After discovery of rich hydrocarbon resources in this region, it is here that the so-called oil and gas pipeline geopolitics was shaped that involved, in fact, the whole European Union. This policy is targeted to loosen the export dependence from Russia and to diversify the pipeline routes.

If in the times of the Soviet Union, there were two oil transit routes, Baku–Novorossiysk and Baku–Batumi, then today we have rather large-scale export line projects, both existing and planned, that bypass Russia, although the planned projects are subject to long and serious trials in the face of the changing political situation in the transit countries.

This book is intended for politicians, specialists in oil and gas business, and decision-makers.

Igor S. Zonn

Backmatter