Transneft Halts Crude Shipments on Espo Line

摘要

Russian oil pipeline monopoly Transneft said Wednesday that crude oil shipments have been halted via the East Siberia-Pacific Ocean (Espo) pipeline, which ships crude to Russian Far East refineries and directly to China, providing supplies to the broader Asia-Pacific region. The company assures, however, that all October export targets will be fulfilled. Transneft says crude shipments were halted on the Talakan-Skovorodino section of the line until Oct. 17 because of technical works that should help eliminate the pipe's flaws. Sources say the section of pipe was produced at the Khartzyz pipeline plant in Ukraine. Transneft has earlier complained about the quality of pipes produced at this plant and wants to replace these sections on all shipping routes.