An explosion occurred at the largest oil field in Kazakhstan, Tengiz, in the Atyrau region, as a result of which two workers were killed and three were injured, Kazinform reports .
“In the Zhylyoi region at the Tengiz field, a pipe explosion occurred, as a result of which two workers born in 1985 died. Medical assistance is provided to three workers who received various injuries, ”the police report cites the publication.
On the fact of the incident, a criminal case was initiated under the article “Violation of labor protection rules”. Representatives of the Tengizchevroil company told the agency that the explosion occurred during the technical testing of the pipe – it could not cope with the pressure, all technical work at the field was stopped, law enforcement agencies are already working on the spot. At the same time, Reuters claims that oil production at Tengiz continues.
The Tengiz field is considered the second in terms of reserves and the leader in terms of oil production, the development of the field is carried out by NC Kazmunaigas (owns 20% of the shares in the project), Chevron Overseas (50%), Exxon Mobil (25%) and LukArco " (5%). It is this field that provides supplies to the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), which has been experiencing constant difficulties since the end of March with the supply of Kazakh oil to foreign markets.
In March, the consortium announced the suspension of oil shipments due to technical problems caused by the displacement of the load-bearing frame of one of the floating hoses. In June, CPC halted oil shipments due to World War II mines found near the port of Novorossiysk. In July, CPC stopped operations for a month due to environmental claims from the Russian government. All three times the decision to stop the supply of Kazakh oil was made by the Russian side unilaterally.
The CPC is the main export route for Kazakh oil, accounting for more than 80 percent of the volumes pumped through the pipeline. Russia owns 31% in the consortium, and Kazakhstan – 20.75%. Also shareholders are Chevron Caspian Pipeline Consortium Company (15%), LUKARCO BV (12.5%), Mobil Caspian Pipeline Company (7.5%), Rosneft-Shell Caspian Ventures Limited (7.5%), BG Overseas Holding Limited (2%), Eni International NANV (2%) and Oryx Caspian Pipeline LLC (1.75%).