Wednesday 4 March 2015

Trans Adriatic Pipeline AG (TAP) has launched two pre-qualification contracts for the construction of the 105 km offshore pipeline section under the Adriatic Sea. The greatest depth the pipeline will be laid is 820 meters.

The first pre-qualification comprises Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation (EPCI) works for the offshore section of the 36 inch pipeline between the coastlines of Albania and southern Italy. The EPCI scope of work includes associated landfall civil works at the landfalls in both Albania and Italy, as well as survey, seabed and pre-commissioning activities.

The second pre-qualification process is for supply of offshore line pipes and coating. The scope of work is divided into three lots.

Specific details of the contract notices can be found in the Supplement of Official Journal of the EU – Tenders Electronic Daily (TED): link to EPCI offshore installation notice and link to offshore line pipe supply.

Knut Steinar Kvindesland, Procurement Director at TAP said: "I am delighted to invite companies – including those from TAP's host countries – to submit expressions of interest in line with the pre-qualification documentation now available on TED. The selection of potential suppliers will remain rigorous, with particular emphasis on meeting Health, Safety and Environment standards and a proven commitment to TAP's zero harm policy."

Following the selection stage, TAP aims to issue the related Invitations to Tender (ITT) for offshore construction by May 2015.

About the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP)

TAP will transport natural gas from the giant Shah Deniz II field in Azerbaijan to Europe. The approximately 870 km long pipeline will connect with the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) near the Turkish-Greek border at Kipoi, cross Greece and Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Southern Italy.

TAP's routing can facilitate gas supply to several South Eastern European countries, including Bulgaria, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia and others. TAP's landfall in Italy provides multiple opportunities for further transport of Caspian natural gas to some of the largest European markets such as Germany, France, the UK, Switzerland and Austria.

TAP will promote the economic development and job creation along the pipeline route; it will be a major source of foreign direct investment and it is not dependent on grants or subsidies. With first gas sales to Georgia and Turkey targeted for late 2018, first deliveries to Europe will follow approximately a year later.

TAP's shareholding is comprised of BP (20%), SOCAR (20%), Statoil (20%), Fluxys (19%), Enagás (16%) and Axpo (5%).