As part of the Pipeline Replacement Project, ONGC and its EPC contractor undertook a critical offshore infrastructure upgrade at the NQP Platform.
Execution and Operations The operation began with the welding of the branch tee onto the live 16” line, followed by hydrotesting and NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) of the weld joint. Once integrity was confirmed, Metal Stitch mounted the hot tapping equipment and initiated the tapping process. The hydraulic power pack and cutting system operated smoothly, maintaining consistent feed and torque. The coupon was successfully cut and retrieved, ensuring that no debris entered the pipeline. The tapping process was completed well within the stipulated time, despite challenging offshore conditions. Throughout the operation, the Metal Stitch team followed a strict Job Safety Analysis (JSA), with offshore HSE representatives from both the client and end user monitoring and approving each step. Successful Completion and Impact The Hot Tapping operation was completed without any shutdown, downtime, or safety incident. ONGC’s hydrocarbon supply remained uninterrupted throughout, showcasing Metal Stitch’s ability to execute high-risk interventions safely and efficiently. The operation not only met all technical specifications but also earned commendations from both L&T and ONGC for its smooth execution and attention to detail. The collaboration between Metal Stitch’s technical and field teams played a key role in the successful completion. Rohit Sharma ensured that all engineering calculations and equipment specs were aligned with offshore requirements. Sachin Gangadhar coordinated operations and logistics with precision, while Shanavas led the execution with clarity and strong site leadership.