Saudi Pipeline Recovery Plan: Half Capacity Targeted Within Days
Following a drone attack last week that halted operations on Saudi Arabia's critical East-West crude oil pipeline, new details have emerged about the recovery timeline. Efforts are now focused on rapidly restoring a significant portion of its flow.
Bypassing Damage for Partial Flow Restoration
A person familiar with the matter indicated that the state-owned oil company, Aramco, is implementing contingency measures. Engineering teams are working to bypass the specific damaged sections of the pipeline. This workaround is designed to establish temporary flow paths, aiming to restore approximately half of the pipeline's capacity within a matter of days.
The source noted that this strategy is a standard response to sudden infrastructure damage, prioritizing supply continuity while permanent repairs are organized.
Full Restoration Timeline: Six Weeks Expected
While partial capacity is poised for a quick return, a complete fix will take longer. The same source revealed that Aramco's plan for full restoration of the pipeline is expected to take about six weeks.
This suggests the pipeline may operate at reduced capacity for the next month and a half. The specific challenges and extent of damage have not been disclosed, but the timeline points to significant repair work ahead.
- Immediate Goal: Restore ~50% capacity within days.
- Full Recovery: Estimated at six weeks for complete operations.
- Current Approach: Bypassing damaged points with temporary solutions.
The East-West Pipeline is vital for transporting crude from Saudi Arabia's eastern fields to export terminals on the Red Sea coast. The pace of its recovery will directly impact the kingdom's ability to maintain stable global crude supplies.