Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb.19
By Leman Zeynalova – Trend:
The construction of compressor stations as part of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) project is on the track, TAP Head of Communications Lisa Givert told Trend.
“The construction of TAP’s compressor stations (one near Kipoi, in the east of Greece and one near Fier, in the west of Albania) began in the first quarter of 2017 and is proceeding according to schedule,” she said.
Givert pointed out that in addition to the two compressor stations, there is also a gas metering station being constructed near Bilisht, in the east of Albania.
Work at the metering station also commenced in the first quarter of 2017, she said.
The Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor, the Renco Terna joint venture, has mobilized and completed bulk earthworks, piling and access roads, with concrete works now in full swing at all three stations, according to TAP Head of Communications.
“The three compressor packages have been delivered and installed on their foundations at the Kipoi compressor station. Offsite pipe fabrication has started for all three stations, with pipe installation and welding commencing at the Kipoi compressor station in December 2017,” she noted.
Givert noted that the construction of the compressor and metering stations will be a continuous activity over a period of approximately two years, after which pre-commissioning and commissioning checks will take place.
“These extensive checks, which will be conducted over a period of approximately six months, are required to demonstrate that the new facilities are functioning as per design, and are safe and ready for the transport of gas,” she explained.
As for the market test under TAP project, Givert said that the first open season for the expanded capacity is presently planned for 2019. Thereafter a market test will be held every 2 years, she added.
TAP is a part of the Southern Gas Corridor which is one of the priority energy projects for the EU.
TAP project envisages transportation of gas from the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz gas and condensate field to the EU countries.
The pipeline will be connected to the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) on the Turkish-Greek border, run through Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Italy's south.
TAP’s shareholders are: BP (20 percent), State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (20 percent), Snam (20 percent), Fluxys (19 percent), Enagas (16 percent) and Axpo (5 percent).
TAP will be 878 kilometers in length (Greece 550 km, Albania 215 km, Adriatic Sea 105 km, and Italy 8 km). Its highest point will be 1,800 meters in Albania’s mountains, while its lowest point will be 820 meters beneath the sea.
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