The pipelay vessel CASTORO 10 (C10) is currently located off Rügen to tie together the two ends of a Nord Stream 2 pipe string laid last year on the seabed. The two sections will be connected above water with a weld seam.
In what is known as an Above-Water Tie-In (AWTI) both pipe ends will be lifted out of the water and then cut, aligned and welded together from a working platform attached to the C10. The weld seam is ultrasonically tested and coated with anti-corrosion protection. Afterwards, the pipe string will be placed on the Baltic seafloor in a slight arc.
Including all preparation and follow-up work, the procedure takes two to three weeks. With optimal weather conditions and smooth operations, the works above water can be completed within just a week.
For the duration of the works we kindly ask all mariners in the area for increased attention in the interest of their safety. The C10 is situated northwest of the “Landtief” approach and positioned with eight anchors. Due to the anchor pattern as well as diving works, a safety distance of at least 1,000 metres from C10 must be observed.
Work on the Nord Stream 2 Pipeline continues to proceed as scheduled. Altogether more than 1,700 kilometres (over 70 percent) of both pipe strings have been laid in accordance with the existing permits in the waters of Germany, Sweden, Finland and Russia.
Source: Nord Stream 2