A Grand Banks Gas Pipeline; Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

This paper presents opportunities and challenges associated with a natural gas pipeline from offshore to a proposed LNG facility onshore/nearshore Newfoundland. Pipelines offshore Newfoundland to landfall have been studied for almost four decades but none have been constructed to date. Challenges include design methodology, protection from icebergs and trenching technology to afford that protection. Evaluation of icebergs gouging the seabed and the impact on such a pipeline are presented and evaluated. Potential pipeline routing has been assessed to minimize risk of direct contact from a gouging iceberg keel. Risks to the pipeline may come from direct contact or through subgouge deformation beneath the keel. Risk was evaluated using an iceberg subsea contact model, updated to reflect the current iceberg regime, developed as part of an ongoing project titled "Subsea Ice Interaction Barrier to Energy Development (SIIBED)". The paper also touches on aspects of a gas gathering system and regulatory considerations.