The South Stream Transport company has certified large-diameter pipes produced by the United Metallurgical Company (OMK) from slabs supplied by NLMK. This certificate allows for the use of pipes produced from NLMK steel for the underwater part of the South Stream gas pipe.
In 2012, OMK signed a long-term contract with NLMK, Russiaâs leading steelmaker, for the supply of slabs produced at the Lipetsk production site, followed by a long-term cooperation agreement in November 2013. According to the agreement, between 2014 and 2016, NLMK will supply more than 2Mt of steel slabs with superior chemical composition and steel structure standards, and in dimensions that are unique for the Russian market. OMK purchased over 1Mt of steel slabs for the production of large-diameter pipes under the Agreement.
OMK Group President Vladimir Markin said: âThe South Stream Transport certificate for pipes produced entirely from Russian steel was the logical result of our work with NLMK who have advanced equipment and wide opportunities for the production of special âpipeâ slab grades and dimensions. If we win new South Stream Transport tenders, this certificate will allow us to fully localise pipe production in Russia, thus mitigating risks and logistics costs.â?
