The complete paper addresses the conceptualization and planning of a Middle East-to-India deepwater pipeline (MEIDP), which is planned to reach a record water depth of 3450 m and cross two continental slopes, an earthquake subduction zone [the Owen Fracture Zone (OFZ)], and outfall debris of the Indus River Fan in 2500-m-deep water. The authors examine the techniques, analysis, and technology development available at the time of writing to make such challenging routes increasingly feasible.
Introduction
India relies on regasification of liquefied natural gas (LNG) with terminals at major port locations. The Middle East has ready supplies of gas; however, significant challenges exist for a long-distance, ultradeepwater pipeline. South Asia Gas Enterprise (SAGE) has been developing the MEIDP as a transnational gas infrastructure project to deliver 1.1 billion scf/D from Oman to the Gujarat coast of India by a deepwater route across the Arabian Sea (Fig.
