Peru’s Norperuano Pipeline Transported 969 Million Barrels Over 44 Years, Now Faces Social Risks as Primary Threat

The Oleoducto Norperuano (ONP) has transported 968.859 million barrels since commencing operations on May 24, 1977, approaching the one billion barrel milestone across its 44-year operational history. The infrastructure was initially constructed to transport crude from Lot 8, but the discovery of Lot 1AB, currently designated as Lot 192, fundamentally altered the transportation business model. The ORN additional pipeline section, which began operations in 1978, has handled 70 percent of total volumes while Tramo I carried the remaining 30 percent. Over 680 million barrels were destined for domestic consumption while 280 million barrels went to international markets, though this historical split does not reflect current operations where most transported crude now targets export markets.

The pipeline’s volumetric profile diverged significantly from original projections. Engineering plans in the 1970s anticipated pumping 100,000 barrels daily with potential expansion to 200,000 barrels, volumes the tube diameter could accommodate and pumps could handle up to 150,000 barrels. Instead, Tramo I volumes decreased rather than increased, rendering planned Stations 2, 3, and 4 between Station 1 and Station 5 unnecessary. Two additional stations projected beyond Station 9 for pressure reduction were similarly never constructed. Current flows of 10,000 barrels from Andoas Station eliminate the need for Morona Station operations, though pumping 20,000 barrels would require Morona Station reboosting based on precise sequence calculations for infrastructure optimization.

Social risks now constitute the primary operational threat, surpassing technical challenges. Criminal activities include deliberate pipeline cuts using saws and grinders, small cuts in coating accompanied by electric batteries placed beside tubes to induce internal corrosion mimicking maintenance failures, and theft connections near Piura in desert zones using manifold valves and hoses for clandestine refining. Station takeovers interrupt pumping operations and delay maintenance work along the duct.

The section between Station 5 and Station 7 presents the most critical technical zone due to terrain instability including landslides, soil settlement, and rock displacement combined with hydraulic action. The pipeline crosses 49 rivers including three Marañón River crossings, requiring enhanced control and maintenance to address pits, pinholes, and more severe contingencies. Operations comply with the Organic Hydrocarbons Law framework under Supreme Decree 042-2005-EM and environmental protection regulations under Supreme Decree 039-2014-EM.