Following the shockwaves to European energy security in 2022 and the subsequent shutdown of gas delivery from Russia, the German government took strong action in securing alternative natural gas resources.

An urgent requirement to replace the lost capacity resulted in the OAL project in the Baltic Sea – a 48” pipeline linking a new-build LNG terminal in the port of Mukran, on Rügen island, 50km offshore to the German gasgrid connection in Lubmin, Germany mainland.

For meeting the very ambitious target completion date of winter 2023/24, OAL employed a unique set of management methods to drive the project timeframe. A multi-party contracting approach was used to ensure direct access to resources and quality. Responsibilities for all coordination and planning laid with transmission system operator GASCADE Gastransport GmbH and Streamtec Solutions. 

Coupled with the parallel activities, zero float planning resulted in a flat hierarchy allowing critical decisions to be made very quickly by those with intimate knowledge of the issues at hand. As a result of the relentless drive for the schedule, the project went from concept in August 2022 to gas-filled operation in February 2024 – a total period of 18 months!

The methods used in the OAL construction can be applied to other projects in whole or in part, not solely in a project with a timeframe of national significance. We trust, the OAL project provides a benchmark reference and some thought-provoking considerations to be open to risk ownership when considering your future projects. 

In view of the OAL project, we welcome you to the 4th issue of the Pipeline Technology Journal which is highlighting pivotal aspects of construction and maintenance in the pipeline industry. We will see how expertise is applied to meeting infrastructure needs today and in the future.

Sincerely Yours,
Richard Taylor & Dr. Georg Nowack
Partners at  StreamTec-Solutions AG