Azerbaijan, Baku, Oct. 5 /Trend E.Ismayilov/
According to preliminary data, BP will select construction contractors for the second development stage of Shah Deniz gas condensate field in the Caspian sea, an oil and gas market source reported to Trend on Friday.
In his words, the tender procedure will be announced in January to determine construction contractors for April-May 2013.
The Shah Deniz 2 construction project can be launched in summer 2013.
"After the contractors are chosen, we will require time for preparatory work. Construction will begin in July 2013," the source said.
Previously reported, according to the preliminary work schedule, the gas export from the second development stage of Shah Deniz could start in April 2017.
According to schedule, the construction of two platforms, planned for the second stage of field development, must be completed by 2015. The platforms and necessary infrastructure should be ready for exploitation in October 2016.
Project plans include construction of 2 new sea platforms, connected to each other by bridge, two installations for drilling 26 underwater wells, construction of a 500-kilometer underwater pipeline at a depth of 550 meters, additional export facilities in Azerbaijan and Georgia, and broadening of the Sangachal terminal.
Gas produced during the second phase is considered as the main source for the Southern gas corridor projects, in particular, Nabucco West and TAP (Trans Adriatic Pipeline). Azerbaijan plans to export 10 billion cubic metres of gas per year to Europe within the second phase of Shah Deniz field development.