TAP plans to start offshore surveys in the Adriatic Sea this winter to collect additional data and samples to identify optimal offshore routing
TIRANA, Dec. 19 – The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is planning offshore surveys that will consist of various investigations along the proposed offshore pipeline route in the Adriatic Sea in the international, Italian and Albanian waters. The purpose of the surveys is to conduct seabed mapping, identify potential obstacles along the route, as well as to collect core samples of the seabed. Three vessels have been contracted by TAP to conduct these various activities. Each vessel will carry out work over a short period of time, lasting between one and three weeks. One of these vessels will be visible from the Albanian shore for approximately one week. It will be located at least 1000 meters away from the coast. In addition, the surveys will be conducted ensuring minimal impact on environment. Albert Haak, TAP’s Country Manager for Albania, said: “TAP is still in the process of collecting detailed information and samples along the proposed pipeline route offshore and onshore to ensure that its route is the safest and has the least impact on the local environment. This is being carried out by leading experts in full compliance with the highest international standards.”
TAP plans to conduct additional surveys in the coming months. The construction of the pipeline would start, should the Shah Deniz consortium in Azerbaijan select TAP as their priority gas transportation route to Italy.
TAP’s route in Albania was identified during extensive pipeline route refinement studies in 2009-2012. In particular, special consideration was given to the avoidance of sensitive natural habitats.
TAP pipeline in Albania will be about 209 km long onshore and 60 km offshore in the Albanian section of the Adriatic Sea. TAP will be one of the largest foreign direct investments in Albania and it will help to develop the country’s energy infrastructure and thereby foster economic growth by creating employment and developing local skills.
TAP is waiting to be selected as the preferred gas transportation solution by Shah Deniz Consortium in Azerbaijan in 2013. Once the final investment decision on the pipeline is made and all necessary approvals received, TAP will start the construction (expected in 2015).
The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is a natural gas pipeline project. The pipeline will transport gas from the Caspian region via Greece and Albania and across the Adriatic Sea to southern Italy and further into western Europe. The project is aimed at enhancing security of supply as well as diversification of gas supplies for the European markets. TAP will open a new so-called Southern Gas Corridor to Europe and establish a new market outlet for natural gas from the Caspian Sea.
The project is designed to expand transportation capacity from 10 to 20 bcm per year.
TAP also envisages physical reverse flow of up to 80 per cent and the option to develop natural gas storage facilities in Albania to further ensure security of supply during any operational interruption of gas deliveries. TAP’s shareholders are Axpo of Switzerland (42.5%), Norway’s Statoil (42.5%) and E.ON Ruhrgas of Germany (15%).
