The development of economic ties with the countries of the world, as well as the political situation, led to the emergence of a project to build such an important facility as the port of Sabetta. It is named after the village of the same name on the Yamal Peninsula. The construction of the port of Sabetta is due, first of all, to the fact that about 20% of all oil and gas fields in Russia are concentrated in this region.
Construction project and goals
As mentioned above, the construction of a new port in the Arctic region of the country is already a necessity. This is not a separately built facility, but a whole complex called Yamal-LNG. In the future, the port of Sabetta is designed to provide navigation throughout the year along the Northern Sea Route. A natural gas liquefaction plant will be built nearby to transport it in special tankers for export to Western Europe, South and North America and the Pacific region.
In order for the Arctic port of Sabetta to function fully,a working settlement was built near it. It is also planned to build a railway line and an airfield.
Works to be completed during project implementation
In general, the seaport of Sabetta will be unique in terms of the construction of such structures. All work is done from scratch. At the time of the laying of the port, there was no infrastructure on the ground; cargo with materials had to be delivered by sea. This applies primarily to heavy and large-sized elements of the port structure. Navigation terms at that time were only 3-4 months.
Construction of the port of Sabetta includes the following works:
- construction of the approach channel;
- construction of a sea canal;
- port area;
- quay wall;
- 4 berth;
- control and correction station;
- hydrometeorological post;
- warehouses;
- technical and administrative buildings.
The work on the equipment of the approach channel has been completed. At the moment, work is underway to equip the port water area, infrastructure construction continues.
Investors and contractors
The project for the construction of the port was developed by order of the Government of the Russian Federation by the design bureau of OAO LENMORNIIPROEKT. According to the results of the tender, USK Most became the general contractor for the port facilities, OJSCMRTS.
The construction of the port of Sabetta is costly. The investors were OAO Novatek (Russia) and the oil and gas company TOTAL (France). The customer is Yamal-LNG. Design and survey work was carried out by CJSC GT Morstroy.
After identifying all the actors, we had to re-optimize the project. As a result, it became possible to reduce the amount of materials by using them more optimally.
Completed steps
The laying of the port took place in 2012 (it should be fully completed in 2017). The mooring wall was completed in 2013. More than 10% of the technological dam leading to the berths has been completed. The berths are partially ready, and in October 2013 the port of Sabetta made it possible for the first vessel to moor. A working camp was built. However, it is not known whether the contractors will be able to meet the deadline.
Financial difficulties in the way of construction and not only
The main funding for construction and maintenance comes from the country's federal budget. As it turned out two years after the laying, the optimization of the project did not benefit. Apparently, the contractors will have to return to the original project. It includes ice protection structures. This raises the price by more than 40%.
However, it is not possible to mothball the project. First of all, the delay in terms will entail fines on a very large scale. Well, the most important reason is that it can undermine the prestige and reputation of the Russian Federation as a reliableand stable supplier. Contracts have already been signed for a large volume of gas for transportation, and failure to meet construction deadlines will also entail financial sanctions for unfulfilled international obligations.
In order to raise funds, it is planned to reduce investments in other projects, such as the construction of a ferry for the Ust-Luga-B altiysk line, the reconstruction of the port of St. Petersburg and the construction of a deep-water port in B altiysk. Until a decision is made, the search for funds continues.
Prospects and meaning
The project will use the port of Sabetta not only for the export of liquefied natural gas. Grain, metal, coal will go to the world market through it. This will change the economy of the region and give impetus to its further development. If we talk about political significance, then the port of Sabetta will allow not to depend on many countries through which cargo was previously transported. If we manage to implement the construction of the railway, then the life of the region will change significantly.
