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Gomeltransneft Druzhba: Oil transit through Belarus is more cost-effective than via seaports
MINSK, 19 April (BelTA) – Oil transit through Belarus is more economically sound than via seaports, even taking into account the recent proposals to raise tariffs, chief engineer of OAO Gomeltransneft Druzhba Andrei Verigo told BelTA.
“We understand the need for Russian partners to fulfill their obligations to European consumers. We know the technical capabilities and the cost of redirecting oil supplies to seaports. The analysis shows that the route through Belarus remains the most economically attractive, including taking into account our proposal to raise tariffs by 23%,” said Andrei Verigo.
The need to repair some sections of the pipeline remains relevant. The chief engineer explained that the specialists of Gomeltransneft Druzhba have all the competencies to ensure the safe operation of the pipeline. “We thank our main partner, Transneft, for the friendly offer of assistance in securing safe transportation of oil. I would like to note that Gomeltransneft Druzhba has specialists who have been hailed at international competitions among oil pipeline operators. Therefore, we have every opportunity to cope with all the tasks. As the accident in 2018 showed, it is impossible to rely only on the results of inside diagnostics in the assessment of the technical condition of the pipeline, even the one conducted by a world leader in the field,” he said.
According to him, on the basis of a comprehensive risk assessment, a program was developed for the reconstruction of the main oil pipeline system in 2019-2023. “Its main goal is to increase the reliability and safety of oil transportation, primarily taking into account the high environmental responsibility towards the southern territories of Belarus, where the oil pipeline is located and which suffered from the consequences of the Chernobyl accident,” added Andrei Verigo.
In his words, all actions of the Belarusian operator of OAO Gomeltransneft Druzhba are implemented within the intergovernmental agreement in oil transportation and the operating contract with Transneft.
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