The Russian steel and pipe producer United Metallurgical Company (OMK) is ready to participate in a tender for the supply of pipes for the second order for the underwater section of the Nord Stream pipeline, according to company president Vladimir Markin. The tender is to be held in 2009.
The supplies for the first order of the pipeline are proceeding according to schedule. In addition, in the future OMK is planning to start producing pipes with a maximum wall thickness of 41 mm.
Currently, OMK's subsidiary Vyksa Steel Works has started supplies of large diameter pipes to Nord Stream within the framework of the third lot of supplies for the first order of the pipeline. During July-August 2008, Vyksa is to produce and supply about 10,800 mt of pipes to Nord Stream as part of this third lot.
Under the terms of the contract concluded in November 6, 2007, up to October 2009 OMK is to produce and supply to Nord Stream about 267,000 mt of pipes with diameter of 1,219 mm, wall thicknesses of 30.9 mm, 34.6 mm and 41 mm, strength class of K60 (X70), with external pre-painted anti-corrosive coating and internal anti-corrosive and smooth coating.