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Sakhalin-2: Steady and Reliable Operation Amid the Snow Storm

Within a few days, the Southern part of Sakhalin received more than its monthly precipitation norm, and an emergency mode was introduced in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.

“Winterisation has always been one of the main points of attention for Sakhalin Energy. The winterisation scope includes, among others, readiness to respond to challenging weather conditions typical for our region. Winter challenges often involve low temperatures, and as the premier energy source we recognise how important it is to stay alert at this time. We need to keep people warm and prevent anyone from freezing. Therefore, our main task is to ensure reliable continuous operation of the entire production chain. This is the focus. Our production assets did extremely well while operating in this mode, responding promptly to weather changes. A timely decision was made to optimise the operational conditions. Currently, we are working hard to clear the production sites from snow and provide access to the main pipeline facilities. Marketable hydrocarbons are offloaded on schedule without any deviations,” stressed Andrey Oleinikov, Managing Director of Sakhalin Energy.

Due to the bad weather, a number of roads, including the Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk − Korsakov motorway, were closed for all types of motor transport. The Prigorodnoye production complex, including the LNG plant, located in the Korsakov district, got trapped in the snow. Based on the readings of the corporate weather station installed in the territory of the asset, the wind speed reached up to 25 metres per second.

“Despite the harsh weather conditions, the critically important linear facility was regularly cleared of snow, and the services engaged in the work had all the necessary means and resources,” said Ivan Shamonaev, Head of Prigorodnoye production complex. “During the snow blockade, the asset's round-the-clock operation was supported by two on-duty teams. The technical personnel, totalling about 120 people, were fully safe and provided with everything they needed for life while continuing to carry out their duties.”

The Company paid special attention to the analysis of up-to-date information coming from the Emercom for the Sakhalin Oblast, the Sakhalin Oblast Government, municipal road and emergency services. For that purpose, the Chief Engineer's Service held ad hoc meetings with the management of production assets several times a day for further planning of safe operation in emergency mode.

“We aligned our efforts with local authorities, having transferred office staff to remote work, with the operations crew identified to ensure required worksite support on a round-the-clock basis. We switched to all-terrain vehicles and provided technical support at the request of the regional government and municipalities to secure primary life support supplies for the local population. As Sakhalin residents, we know firsthand how important it is to join forces in dealing with the consequences of a raging disaster,” emphasised Andrey Oleinikov.

26 January 2024

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