The Export Pipelines - LOT 2 of the El Merk Project - is an essential part of the entire El Merk Project developed by “Groupement Berkine” to initiate production of Hydrocarbons in the El Merk Region in South East Algeria.

“Groupement Berkine” is an association of Sonatrach and Anadarko appointed as Operator by the El Merk Consortium partners (Sonatrach, Anadarko, ENI, Maersk, ConocoPhillips and Talisman) to realize the entire El Merk Project.

The LOT 2 Export Pipelines consists of three pipelines conveying products from the Central Production Facilities (CPF) as follows:

• 160km of 18” API 5L-X65 LPG Pipeline from CPF to Gassi Touil
• 160km of 16” API 5L-X65 Condensate Pipeline from CPF to Gassi Touil
• 70 Km 20” API 5L – X65 Crude Oil Pipeline from CPF to Berkine Central Storage Facility (CSF)

The pipelines are equipped with sectional isolation valves block valve at an average distance of 40 Km to assure safety and reliable transport operation.

The LOT 2 Project, developed under an EPC (Lump Sum) Contract includes scraper trap facilities (3) at the CPF, (2) at Gassi Touil arrival terminal and (1) at the CSF.
The terminals are also equipped with metering systems and filtration packages on the LPG pipeline. Linepipe supply, Cathodic Protection Systems and Fibre Optic Telecommunication cables are also included in the LOT 2 Contract.