In 2012, Shell and Interpipe signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that outlined the steps required to bring Interpipe’s pipe products in line with Shell’s global standards. Since then, the companies have successfully come through the crucial steps of the memorandum. As a result, Shell has approved Interpipe mills and certain product lines.
Shell well engineering team lead Robin Naughton said: "Shell has approved and is satisfied with certain Interpipe products and continues to work with Interpipe on other aspects so that a significant and relevant product range is approved for Shell both in the Ukraine and internationally. Once relevant product lines are approved, Interpipe will be able to bid for supply tenders for Shell."
Interpipe products and resources director Denis Morozov said: "The cooperation with Shell gives us a challenge to meet the highest quality standards in the industry, and I’m delighted that Interpipe has successfully passed Shell’s qualification audit. At the moment, we have approved certain product lines with Shell and are working on development of new pipe products with premium connections to meet the company’s requirements to operate in tough geological conditions."
As of today, the companies have announced the progress status on the crucial steps of the memorandum:
- Shell has approved the steel manufacturing plant of Interpipe Steel for production of steel billets for use in rolling of casing and tubing
- Shell has audited Interpipe NTRP and Interpipe Nikotube pipe rolling mills and confirmed that the plants’ technological processes and quality management systems comply with international standards
- Qualification orders of casing and tubing have been transported to the US for inspection and verification of meeting Shell standards; initial results are under review
- Interpipe NMPP mill has been approved by Shell for manufacturing line pipe for a limited product range
- Shell has approved Interpipe to thread API specification connections, and is working with Interpipe on new premium connections required for high-pressure fracturing of gas wells to ensure well integrity and thus safe operation