Essar Projects bags contract for IOC pipeline replacement

The 1,056-km Koyali-Sanganer product pipeline is IOCL's longest, and helps it meet its supply commitments in central India

Engineering Procurement & Construction (EPC) company Essar Projects has bagged a contract for replacing 141 km of pipeline of 18-inch diameter in the Koyali-Viramgam section of Indian Oil Corporation's (IOCL) Koyali-Sanganer pipeline. Valued at over Rs 85 crore, the contract is exclusive of the cost of pipes, which are being supplied by IOCL.

According to an official statement by Essar Projects, originating at IOCL's Gujarat Refinery in Koyali, Gujarat, the 1,056-km Koyali-Sanganer product pipeline is the company's longest, and helps the oil PSU meet its supply commitments in central India.

"Though falling oil prices have led to a slowdown in the global oil & gas industry and to deferment of many new projects, we are beginning to see some kind of a revival in India. The proposed gas grid and the infrastructure requirements that will go hand-in-hand with the adoption of Bharat Stage 6 (BS-VI) will present a number of opportunities for EPC players in the foreseeable future. This win is a new beginning for us and we want to pursue more projects in the oil & gas pipeline segment, in which we have world-class expertise and proven track record," said A V Amarnath, COO, Essar Projects.

On its part, Essar Projects has established capabilities in designing, planning and executing complex pipeline projects involving oil & gas, water and iron ore slurry.

Essar Projects has so far laid over 5,500 km of pipelines in India, UAE and Madagascar and executed oil & gas pipeline projects for diameters ranging from 18 inches to 48 inches, as well lengths ranging from 100 km to 550 km. The company's pipeline expertise is backed by Essar Steel's Hazira steel plant and pipe mill, it stated.