In 2021-2022, GGT Solutions S.A. had the pleasure of implementing several trenchless crossings in the strategic infrastructure project Baltic Pipe.
The Baltic Pipe project was a huge undertaking aimed at ensuring energy security through the diversification of natural gas sources, as it opened a new gas supply corridor on the European market. The Baltic Pipe investment was recognized by the European Commission as a "Project of Community Interest". Thanks to this multi-stage project, the construction of which took place both on land and on the seabed, we gained the ability to transmit gas directly from deposits located in Norway to the market in Denmark and Poland, as well as to recipients in neighboring countries of Central and Eastern Europe. GAZ-SYSTEM S.A. (on the Polish side) and Energinet (on the Danish side) were responsible for the entire investment.
As part of the construction of the onshore section of the Baltic Pipe gas pipeline on the Goleniów – Lwówek section, GGT Solutions S.A. performed a total of 18 trenchless crossings, including 4 drillings using the Direct Pipe technology (under the rivers: Warta – 1,400 m, Krapiel – 980 m, Ina – 796 m, Pełcz – 657 m).
The biggest challenge on this project was crossing the Warta River under the bed, the length of which was almost 1,440 m, which is a European record in the case of the installation of a DN 1000 steel pipe using the Direct Pipe technology and a world record in the case of using the AVN800DP drilling device.
During installation, the pipeline was divided into four sections, each 360 m long. Due to the design installation forces, two Pipe Thruster push stations were used simultaneously, with a total force of 10,000 kN. Drilling took place in difficult, variable ground conditions consisting of clay, gravel and sand. Drilling was completed on March 8, 2022.
Sources:
- Own materials of GGT Solutions S.A.
- Baltic Pipe Project – implementation stages. Leaflet developed by GAZ-SYSTEM S.A. - August 2021
- Baltic Pipe – strategic gas pipeline for Poland's energy independence. Materials developed by GAZ-SYSTEM S.A. - September 2022
- https://www.gaz-system.pl/pl/system-przesylowy/wsparcie-ue/inwestycje-zrealizowane-ze-srodkow-ue/baltic-pipe.html
