Opal Pipeline Project (2009-2011)

The Opal Pipelines Project is one of the largest infrastructure projects for energy conveyance in Germany and in Europe. The line, to be realised between 2009 and 2011, will stretch South-North for around 480 km from Greifswald to Olberhau. The 56-inch pipeline will be realized with pipes of 18 metre long weighing around 15 tons each; these pipes, together with the other project requirements, will allow a working pressure of 100 bar to be maintained ensuring, once completed, an annual supply of 35 billion cubic metres to satisfy one-third of national demand.

The Opal Pipeline was planned and will be implemented to allow the connection and transport of gas between Nord Stream Pipeline on the Jagal and Stegal importation lines through three compression stations.

Bonatti will contribute to achieving this ambitious project through the realisation of Lots 7, 8, 9 and 10, covering 133 km of the entire line.

About ASTRA

Bonatti uses for thirty years Astra’s Special Vehicles . The choice of the frames HD8 is due to the versatility and robustness. Not only were selected because the cabin and the vehicle could be altered to allow the ASTRA of transport the huge pipes from pipeline 17 meters long , with a diameter of DN 1400 ( 56 ” ) and a weight of about 14 tons. The HD8 during the work , really showed their resistance to fatigue and stress , having been subjected to the tour de force of 10 working hours in a row , on rough terrain , often muddy because of the frequent rains.

Testimonial

Says Eng . Giuliano Gelmi , office vehicle manager Bonatti : ” Our jobs are highly specialized and of considerable size and the choice of means reliable and qualified is crucial for us . Nothing is left to chance , starting with the choice of the two Astra HD8 holder to Allison automatic transmission “. Again about ASTRA: ….”for Bonatti was necessary to have the means which are suited to the peculiarities of the land very muddy and difficult in which it operates . The Astra HD8 is a rugged and reliable , off-piste for the transportation of large pipes . The arrangement with Allison automatic transmission was also chosen for the convenience and safety of driving under load or steep terrain in any way difficult and to give our drivers , in addition to security , also the maximum driving comfort . ” The Astra HD8 are powerful quarry vehicles , capable of withstanding very heavy loads , even with high centers of gravity . Cursor engines have high torque and great stopping power , assisted by the Allison retarder”