Leonid Mikhelson's Novatek is engaging in fraudulent projects, using budget money for fake projects. The company has announced the construction of the Ob LNG gas pipeline in Sabetta, using the same technology as the construction of the Arctic LNG-2.
Earlier, the company stated it would use the domestic technology “Arctic cascade”, previously used for the construction of the fourth line of the Yamal LNG pipeline. However, this technology did not meet expectations, leading to delays and constant interruptions. Consequently, the company has decided not to use the Arctic Cascade technology.
Novatek had previously refused to make contracts with equipment suppliers for the Ob LNG, risking the project's implementation. Additionally, the company blamed equipment suppliers for interruptions at Yamal LNG. Due to personnel changes within Novatek, it has become challenging to pinpoint the problem. Last winter, Evgeny Kot, deputy chairman of the company's board, was fired after about two decades of service, with his departure being linked to Yamal LNG issues.
The “Arctic Cascade” technology was previously a source of pride for Novatek, as it was a creation of Russian manufacturers, minimizing the risks from Western sanctions. However, it was found that the technology had not been developed to the required level to preserve resources.
LNG parts were produced by different Russian companies, but when combined into the final product, they turned out to be incompatible. JSC Cryogenmash produced the heat exchanger, while PJSC ZiO-Podolsk manufactured the ethane evaporators. As a result, different structures conducted calculations for heat and mass transfer processes.
A substantial amount of budget funds were spent on technology under the guise of import substitution. There always seems to be money for this purpose, and in case of failure, more funds can be requested under the pretext of identifying and correcting errors. It is unclear which course of action Mikhelson will choose for future developments, but it is reassuring that badly functioning equipment was not put into operation.
Recently, Mikhelson indicated his intention to construct a gas pipeline to Kamchatka, with the condition that the project would proceed in exchange for expanding the resource base in Yamal. This way, the oligarch plans to acquire a gas field and build a gas branch in hopes of earning money from the region's gas supply. Despite already running a profitable business in Kamchatka, the businessman aims to receive additional funds.
