OJSC Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works ("MMK") and PJSC Gazprom have signed two agreements for trilateral scientific and technological cooperation programmes with pipe producers JSC TMK and JSC ChelPipe Group.

The programmes will run from 2016-2021 and will provide mutually beneficial solutions to Gazprom’s needs for innovative and reliable pipe products. The programmes will focus on developing technology for flat products and pipes from high-strength steel (up to k90/X120); steel that is highly resistant to carbonic acid environment, stress corrosion; and from steel facilitating usage across a wide temperature range. Cooperation will include development of new engineering materials for natural gas liquefaction and underwater production projects. 
Under the agreement, MMK will work with TMK and ChelPipe on R&D and technological development using own or borrowed funds, while Gazprom will provide organizational and consulting support. The companies’ technical, scientific, organisational and intellectual capacities will be key to successful implementation of the programmes, and the companies will invite specialised institutes and organisations to participate in the implementation process to ensure high quality outcomes. 
The agreements state that implementation of the programmes will be aimed at increasing economic efficiency of constructing and operating natural gas production, transportation and processing facilities by Gazprom. 
The agreements were signed by CEO of MMK Pavel Shilyaev, Member of the Management Committee of Gazprom Oleg Aksyutin, Deputy CEO of TMK Sergey Chikalov and CEO of ChelPipe Group Alexander Grubman. 
Pavel Shilyaev, CEO of MMK, said: "The programmes we have signed today bring our cooperation to a whole new level. Based on Gazprom’s specific needs for the production of innovative large-diameter pipes, we will be developing new technologies that will enable reliable and safe operations of pipelines even in the most extreme conditions.” 
Communications Department