Russian pipeline goes into operation

Russian pipeline goes into operation

KHABAROVSK, Russia - Russian President Vladimir Putin (projected at the center on a screen) instructs officials to start full operation of an oil pipeline during a teleconference linking Moscow with Khabarovsk in the Russian Far East, where the opening ceremony was held, on Dec. 25, 2012. Russia plans to use the 4,756-kilometer-long pipeline, called the Eastern Siberia-Pacific Ocean, or ESPO, oil pipeline linking Tayshet in eastern Siberia with Kozmino port near Nakhodka in the Far East to export crude oil to Asian countries, such as Japan and South Korea.

Russian pipeline goes into operation

Russian pipeline goes into operation

KHABAROVSK, Russia - Russian officials jointly press a button at a ceremony in Khabarovsk in the Russian Far East on Dec. 25, 2012, to mark the commencement of full operation of a 4,756-kilometer-long oil pipeline linking Tayshet in eastern Siberia with Kozmino port near Nakhodka in the Far East. Russia plans to use the pipeline, called the Eastern Siberia-Pacific Ocean, or ESPO, oil pipeline to export crude oil to Asian countries, such as Japan and South Korea.

Oil tanker at Russian Far East port

Oil tanker at Russian Far East port

NAKHODKA, Russia - An oil tanker is docked at a pier at Kozmino port in the Russian Far East on Dec. 28, 2010. The port's operator said Japan was the biggest importer of crude oil shipped from the port in the year.

Oil tank port Kozmino starts operations

Oil tank port Kozmino starts operations

NAKHODKA, Russia - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin speaks during a tanker-loading ceremony at Kozmino, near Nakhodka in Russia's Far East, on Dec. 28, 2009. Russia started loading the first oil tanker at Kozmino port which will serve as a key gateway for the country's energy exports to Asian markets.

Oil tank port Kozmino starts operations

Oil tank port Kozmino starts operations

NAKHODKA, Russia - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin speaks during a tanker-loading ceremony at Kozmino, near Nakhodka in Russia's Far East, on Dec. 28, 2009. Russia started loading the first oil tanker at Kozmino port which will serve as a key gateway for the country's energy exports to Asian markets. (Kyodo)

Oil tanker at Russian Far East port

Oil tanker at Russian Far East port

NAKHODKA, Russia - An oil tanker is docked at a pier at Kozmino port in the Russian Far East on Dec. 28, 2010. The port's operator said Japan was the biggest importer of crude oil shipped from the port in the year. (Kyodo)