Grozny–Tuapse oil pipeline

The Grozny–Tuapse oil pipeline is a long pipeline connecting oil fields near Grozny, Russia, with sea port Tuapse.

Background

The pipeline was launched in 1928, designed by Vladimir Shukhov. The annual throughput of the pipeline along with its 11 pumping stations was 1.5 million tons. It used pipes, both welded and weldless. In 1938, oil extraction in Krasnodar territory near Maykop began. The main pipeline was used as a products pipeline, while its end part transported oil from the Krasnodar fields to Tuapse.
The pipeline was built in a move for the country to export as much oil as possible to bring in foreign currencies, as part of the First Five-Year Plan. Since 1894, the oil had been transported out of Grozny through train carriage.