Glavgosexpertiza (Russia’s Main Department of State Expertise) recently approved the design documentation for reconstruction of the access canal to the Port of Sabetta aimed to ensure safe shipping and approved expansion of the transit passage in 2020-2030.
The access canal to the port of Sabetta was built and put into operation in 2019 to ensure year-round movements of ships and shipment of liquefied natural gas and liquefied gas condensate.
According to Glavgosexpertiza, the approved project documentation foresees expansion of the canal to meet the demand of NOVATEK and Gazprom Neft for shipments of hydrocarbons.
The reconstruction project is to be implemented in two phases. The first one (2020-2021) foresees dredging and the expansion of the canal to 475 meters at its straight section and to 573 meters at the turn.
Upon completion of the second phase of dredging scheduled for 2022, the width will be increased to 573 meters along the entire canal. Besides, aids to navigation will be moved on the canal.
“Currently, the canal can ensure up to four ship passages per day while its capacity upon completion of the expansion will be raised to nine passages per day, that is at least 1,500 passages per year,” announced Glavgosexpertiza.
The scheme has been developed by LENMORNIIPROEKT JSC with FSUE Hydrographic Company to conduct dredging works.