Siemens signs maintenance contract for Habshan-Fujairah oil pipeline automation system

Under the terms of the maintenance contract, which has been signed with the pipeline's operator, Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (ADCO), and includes the option of a two-year extension, Siemens will provide comprehensive maintenance services for the pipeline's automation, control and telecom system that has been installed and commissioned by the company, enhancing the facility's operation and also bringing advanced training to the teams managing it.

"The Siemens pipeline automation, control and telecom system installed at the Habshan facility ensures that the pipeline operates reliably and safely in all potential scenarios, allowing the operators to swiftly control a wide range of variables, including different stations and streams, from a central location," says Ali Vezvaei, Siemens Executive Vice President and General Manager - Division Oil and Gas.

The approximately 380-kilometer Habshan-Fujairah oil pipeline runs from Abu Dhabi to the emirate of Fujairah, located on the Gulf of Oman. With a nominal capacity of about 1.5 million barrels a day, the pipeline began pumping crude in June 2012 for the first time and presents the UAE with an alternative to shipping oil through the Strait of Hormuz.

"We have been comprehensively involved in the Habshan-Fujairah pipeline project from an early stage, and this service contract means that Siemens is in a position to offer continued localized support to ADCO with day-to-day maintenance and lifecycle services, and also with adjustments and enhancements that are essential to the continued reliability, efficiency and safety of the system."

Under the terms of the service contract, Siemens will also maintain a presence on site in order to implement a comprehensive training program, designed to prepare ADCO's workforce for independent operation of the bespoke automation system.

"The signing of this service contract is a prime example of our commitment to the development of the region's infrastructure," said Dietmar Siersdorfer, CEO, Energy, Siemens Middle East. "Siemens has a long-established presence in this region and has been a trusted partner for many of the Middle East's landmark projects. Service contracts such as these are an important part of our business, vindicating the decision to maintain comprehensive locally-based expertise, and also ensuring that our installed equipment, from all divisions, continues to exceed expectations throughout its life."