WEG, a global leader in electric motors, variable frequency drives, and gearboxes, has been selected by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) to support the construction of a critical oil pipeline in the UAE. The project will feature WEG’s advanced integrated drive solutions, including flameproof electric motors, variable speed drives (VSDs), and transformers, to ensure the pipeline’s efficiency, reliability, and safety.
The ambitious pipeline, spanning over 300 kilometers, will transport around 1.5 million barrels of crude oil daily, connecting Jebel Dhanna in Abu Dhabi to the Fujairah oil terminal on the country’s eastern coast. With an investment of $3 billion, the infrastructure aims to enhance the UAE’s energy export capacity and security. The project includes multiple pumping and booster stations designed to maintain efficient oil flow across the extensive network.
At the heart of this initiative are WEG’s heavy-duty motors, built to withstand the challenging environmental conditions of the Arabian desert, including temperatures as high as 55°C. The motors, certified to IP55 standards for dust and water resistance, will power the horizontal centrifugal pumps critical to the pipeline’s operation.
The equipment includes nine medium-voltage W22Xdb 3.3kV motors with power outputs ranging from 850kW to 990kW and eleven larger M-Line 6.6kV motors delivering between 6,710kW and 6,980kW. Both motor types are engineered for optimal performance in hazardous environments, meeting international safety standards such as ATEX and IECEx.
To further enhance operational safety, WEG’s package includes arc-resistant VSDs that can absorb explosions caused by sudden electric arcs, protecting operators and maintenance personnel. The drives are equipped with a user-friendly touchscreen interface, simplifying programming and reducing downtime.
“The fact the OEM supplying the centrifugal pumps for this critical pipeline project turned to us is a testament to WEG’s reputation for highly reliable customised drive solutions designed to minimise downtime and costs,” said Kiran Kumar, HVS Development Sales Manager for HVS Motors & Drives. “Our integrated solution team worked closely with all stakeholders to meet the stringent requirements of this demanding application, including flame and arc resistance. Our ability to design an integrated drive package promptly was instrumental in enabling us to secure this important $22 million project.”
WEG’s integrated drive packages are scheduled for delivery by September 2025, marking a key milestone in the development of this critical pipeline. This partnership highlights WEG’s role in advancing large-scale industrial infrastructure with innovative and reliable solutions, reinforcing the UAE’s energy strategy.