CONTINUED CONSTRUCTION OF POL PIPELINE BETWEEN NORTHEAST NORTH VIETNAM AND CHINA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78T05162A000300010016-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 7
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 9, 2011
• Sequence Number: 16
• Publication Date: February 1, 1973
• Content Type: REPORT

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PHOTOGRAPHIC
INTERPRETATION
REPORT
NATIONAL ['110TOGRNPHIC
IN"TI?RPRI?TITION CRNTE'R
CONTINUED CONSTRUCTION OF
POL PIPELINE BETWEEN
NORTHEAST NORTH VIETNAM AND CHINA
T 25X1
FEBRUARY 1973
COPY NO )
I L. -
7 PAGES
PIR-004/73
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CONTINUED CONSTRUCTION OF
POL PIPELINE BETWEEN
NORTHEAST NORTH VIETNAM AND CHINA
ABSTRACT
1. A POL pipeline 115 nautical miles (nm) long has been constructed between the Nui
Tou Logistics Facility on the southeast coast of China and the existing POL pipe system in
North Vietnam near Hon Gai. In addition to the storage facilities at Nui Tou, two POL
storage areas and at least five pumping stations have been identified along the new
pipeline. The pipeline is probably a dual pipe system. This report updates a previous report
on the pipeline (NPIC and describes its alignment and associated facilities. 25X1
It includes a map of the pipe system and four photographs.
BASIC DESCRIPTION
2. Continued construction of the northeast North Vietnam China POL pipeline was
seen on satellite photography (Figure 1). Initial indications of this 25X1
pipeline were first seen on low-altitude photography On these 25X1
dates, open trenching at the southern portion
25 nm northeast of Hon Gai, North Vietnam. 25X1
an additional 52 nm of pipeline was seen. This coverage extended 11 nm inside China. 25X1
additional satellite coverage revealed the remaining 38 nm of the pipeline 25X1
to its apparent termination point at Nui Tou Logistics Facility in China. 25X1
The pipeline from Nui Tou to Hon Gai is approximately 115 nm long, of which 49 nm is in
China and 66 nm is in North Vietnam.
3. The POL pipeline joins the existing North Vietnam POL pipeline system by a dual
junction with the Hon Gai-to-Hai Duong dual line at 20-59-27N 106-58-52E, just northwest
of Tieu Giao Petroleum Products Storage Depot From this junction the 25X1
pipeline generally parallels Route 183 to the northeast until it turns north at 21-04-14N 107-
14-38E. It then parallels Route 18 to the vicinity of Tien Yen, North Vietnam. The pipeline
crosses the Song Pho Cu river at 21-20-38N 107-22-30E and then follows the alignment of
Route 402 for approximately 1 rim. The line turns northeast at 21-23-OON 107-22-50E and
generally parallels Route 4. It crosses the North Vietnam/China border at 21-38-38N 107-45-
06E, approximately 14 nm northwest of Mong Cai, North Vietnam.
4. In China, from the border crossing, the pipeline extends generally east along Route
510 to the Route 510/27 junction at 21-45-20N 108-14-50E. The pipeline then follows Route
27 for approximately 3.8 nm until it turns south at 21-45-OON 108-18-25E. The line then
generally parallels the China coastline for approximately 10 nm to the Nui Tou Logistics
Facility.
5. Three double river crossings and one triple river crossing are observed along the
pipeline in North Vietnam. The double river crossings are at the Song Ka Song (River), the
Song Tien Yen (River), and an unnamed stream 3.3 nm southwest of Tien Yen. Evidence of
at least three pipes is observed at the Song Pho Cu (River) crossing.
6. The pipeline apparently separates at 21-23-55N 107-31-29E. The main line extends
generally west, and a new segment, observed for the first time on photography 25X1
extends generally southwest and parallels the main line (Figure 2). The 25X1
two lines rejoin at 21-23-OON 107-22-53E. The exact alignment of portions of this new 18-nm
segment is not confirmed due to foliage cover. These multiple river crossings and the
separated pipeline segments may provide a backup in the event of damage at these points
on the pipeline.
7. Three petroleum products storage areas, four POL pumping stations, and one
probable POL pumping station under construction are observed along the pipeline.
8. The largest petroleum products storage area is at the Nui Tou Logistics Facility
at 21-35-55N 108-19-20E. This storage area near the termination of the 25X1
line in China contains at least 235 earth-covered horizontal storage tanks. The pipeline
enters the POL storage area from the northwest. Another pipeline appears to connect the
storage area with two vertical POL storage tanks (partly underground) and a small POL
transfer pier a short distance to the north (Figure 3). (Continued p. 7)
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9. The Pok Hom Petroleum Products Storage Area is located along
the pipeline at 21-38-36N 107-45-OOE. This storage facility is on a small karst hill on the
south bank of the Song Ka Long (River), which is the China/North Vietnam border at this
point. The facility consists of at least 52 earth-covered horizontal storage tanks. Two
pumping stations with double pumphouses, two possible pumping control buildings, and
two support buildings have been constructed
10. The Khe Nga Petroleum Products Storage Area is located on the
pipeline at 21-20.-21N 107-21-08E, 3 nm west of Tien Yen. The facility contains at least 54
earth-covered horizontal storage tanks and three excavations to accommodate 18
additional tanks. A pumping station with two pumphouses has been constructed
11. Other pumping stations are located along the pipeline at 21-02-49N 107-06-26E
(Figure 5) and at 21-27-55N 107-37-51E. Both of these pumping stations have two
pumphouses. A probable pumping station under construction is observed at 21-08-10N 107-
17-OOE.
12. The double pumphouse pumping station, the separation of the main pipeline, and
the double river crossing indicate that this pipeline may be at least a dual-pipe system.
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