Belayim Petroleum Company (Petrobel) announced that the 120-km pipeline connecting Abordees to Ras Gara, north of Mount of Tur, has recently experienced several accidents and theft attempts, reports Egypt Oil & Gas.

The pipeline has recently been used to move crude oil from the Shedwan field. The oil from Shedwan has high viscosity and contains huge amounts of water and carbon dioxide, causing repetitive leakage accidents.

Petrobel agreed with the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC), South Sinai Governorate, and Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) to replace the damaged parts of the pipeline to prevent repetitive leaking accidents until the entire pipeline is changed. The pipeline will remain in operation throughout the maintenance process due to the urgent need for crude oil. Petrojet is constructing an alternative pipeline that is set for completion by October 2017.

Petrobel is committed to preserving the environment in its operations sites and concession areas. The company takes the initiative to contain the leakage and fix the pipelines. Petrobel also collects, removes, treats, and disposes of contaminated soil under the supervision of EGPC, EEAA, and South Sinai Governorate.