Overview: The Karachaganak Atyrau Transportation System (KATS) is the primary export route for the stabilized liquid hydrocarbons produced at the Karachaganak Field. Operational since 2003, KATS includes a 24-inch buried pipeline that transports hydrocarbons from the Karachaganak Processing Complex (KPC) to Atyrau on the Caspian Sea. This system features two pumping stations—one located at Bolshoi Chagan and another at KPC—along with a receiving and storage facility in Atyrau. The facilities are managed and maintained by Karachaganak Petroleum Operating (KPO). In Atyrau, KATS connects to the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) system, which then transports the oil to Novorossiysk for tanker loading and export.
Overview: The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) is a crucial international pipeline system owned by several global energy companies and the governments of Kazakhstan and Russia. Operational since 2001, the pipeline spans 1,510 kilometers from Tengiz in Kazakhstan to Novorossiysk on the Black Sea. It ranges in diameter from 40 to 42 inches and includes five pumping stations, a marine terminal, and a tank farm. CPC plays a vital role in transporting Karachaganak liquids to high-value markets in the West.
Overview: The Karachaganak Orenburg Transportation System (KOTS) comprises five pipelines extending 140 kilometers, transporting hydrocarbons from the Karachaganak Field to the Orenburg Gas Plant (OGP) in Russia. These pipelines were established before the second phase of Karachaganak’s development. Two of the pipelines, each 28 inches in diameter, transport sour gas to OGP for further processing. Additionally, there are three 14-inch pipelines: one dedicated to liquid exports and the other two serving dual purposes for transporting either unstabilized liquid or sour gas.
Overview: At Bolshoi Chagan, the KATS pipeline connects with the KazTransOil (KTO) pipeline, which extends to Samara in Russia. This linkage provides an additional export route into the Transneft pipeline systems, enhancing the flexibility and reach of hydrocarbon transport.
