Execution of Marine Pipelines Using Microtunneling (Pipe Jacking) Method

The Negin Mokran Petrochemical Complex (NMPC) is a key initiative to establish Iran’s third petrochemical hub in the Chabahar Free Trade-Industrial Zone. To support this strategic development, Mokran Abniroo Company (MAN), a subsidiary of NMPC, commissioned the Seawater Intake and Outfall System–Phase I, designed to supply 560,000 cubic meters of seawater per day for desalination and industrial cooling. Read more . . . Given the project’s location along the Oman Sea, characterized by rough sea conditions, strong waves, and a rocky seabed, traditional open-trenching for pipeline installation was not feasible. Instead, Delta Offshore Technology, as the EPC contractor, adopted an innovative trenchless technique (Microtunneling technology) to ensure minimal seabed disturbance, enhanced pipeline durability, and environmental compliance.

Read more . . . Pipeline Specifications:
  • Two 750-meter-long, 2-meter inside diameter (ID) Concrete Jacking Pipes intake pipelines for continuous seawater supply. (using seven intermediate jack stations (7-IJS))
  • One 360-meter-2-meter inside diameter (ID) Concrete Jacking Pipes outfall for safe discharge of processed water.

Delta Offshore Technology’s Scope of Work

Delta Offshore Technology’s Scope of Work

As the appointed EPC contractor, Delta Offshore Technology was responsible for the end-to-end execution of the project, which included:

Found out more Read more . . .
  • Basic and Detailed Engineering Design: Validating and optimizing the intake and outfall system to meet operational and environmental standards.
  • Procurement and Material Supply: Sourcing concrete jacking pipes and advanced microtunneling equipment for the project.
  • Construction and Installation: Deploying cutting-edge trenchless technique (microtunneling technology) to install the intake and outfall pipelines without creating a trench in the seabed
  • Commissioning and System Integration: Ensuring the seamless functionality of the seawater intake and discharge system for uninterrupted operations.

Project Outcome

Project Outcome

Delta Offshore Technology successfully completed the seawater intake and outfall pipeline system, ensuring:

  • Safe and uninterrupted seawater supply for industrial operations.
  • Minimal environmental footprint through advanced trenchless technology.
  • Enhanced durability and long-term resilience in extreme offshore conditions.

Project Challenges & Innovative Solutions

Project Challenges & Innovative Solutions

  1. Harsh Offshore Conditions
    • Challenge: The project site is exposed to strong currents, high-energy waves, and potential tsunamis (last recorded in 1945).
    • Solution: Delta Offshore Technology designed below-seabed pipeline placement by using trenchless technology to prevent damage from environmental forces.
    2. Found out more Read more . . .
  2. Environmental Compliance
    • Challenge: The Oman Sea’s ecosystem required an approach that minimized seabed disturbance.
    • Solution: The microtunneling technology eliminated dredging, preserving marine life and preventing seabed erosion.
  3. Technical Complexity
    • Challenge: The hard rock seabed made conventional pipeline trenching infeasible.
    • Solution: Precision-controlled MTBM drilling allowed accurate placement of the intake and outfall pipelines beneath the seabed’s layer by using ELS (Electronic Laser system), GNS (Gyro Navigation System), And HWL (Height Water Level) navigation systems.

Innovative Engineering Approach

Innovative Engineering Approach

  1. Advanced Microtunneling Technology

    Delta Offshore Technology deployed the Microtunneling Boring Machine (MTBM), a remotely controlled Tunnel Boring Machine capable of precision drilling beneath the seabed to navigate the hard seabed formations and extreme offshore conditions. The method provided:

    • Environmental Protection: Eliminating the need for dredging and preserving marine ecosystem
    • Seabed Stability: Preventing coastal erosion and ensuring long-term pipeline integrity.
    • High Precision Execution: Achieving exact alignment and depth control for the intake and outfall pipelines.
    • Structural Integrity: Eliminating seabed exposure risks through a fully submerged, reinforced pipeline network.
    2. Found out more Read more . . .

  2. Traditional trenching methods were unsuitable due to:

    • Rocky seabed conditions that made dredging impractical.
    • High-energy wave activity that posed structural risks to exposed pipelines.
    • Tsunami-prone zone where trenching could increase vulnerability to pipeline displacement.

    Instead, Delta Offshore Technology employed Microtunneling technology, a remote-controlled method that is Simultaneously boring and jacking pipe for pipeline installation to ensure precision placement and long-term operational security. This machine is capable of drilling in a variety of geological conditions (Rocky and Sandy ground).

Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways

  • Cutting-Edge Engineering: Delta Offshore Technology leveraged state-of-the-art microtunneling and concrete jacking pipes solutions.
  • Environmental Responsibility: The trenchless installation method ensured zero seabed disruption, preserving the Oman Sea’s delicate marine ecosystem.
  • Operational Excellence: The innovative engineering approach eliminated pipeline displacement risks while ensuring long-term operational efficiency.

    • This project exemplifies Delta Offshore Technology’s leadership in offshore infrastructure, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in complex marine construction and energy solutions.