Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) AG has launched two pre-qualification contracts for building the natural gas pipeline’s 105-km offshore section through the Adriatic Sea.
The first prequalification comprises engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) of the 36-in. OD pipeline between the coastlines of Albania and southern Italy at depths reaching 820 m, including associated landfall civil works in each country and survey, seabed, and precommissioning activities. The second prequalification process is for supply of offshore line pipes and coating, divided into three lots.
TAP intends to issue related invitations to tender by May, following the current selection stage. It issued a tender invitation for onshore pipeline sections last year (OGJ Online, Oct. 15, 2014).
The 870-km pipeline will ship gas from the Shah Deniz II field in Azerbaijan to Europe, connecting with the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) near the Turkish-Greek border at Kipoi and crossing Greece, Albania, and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in southern Italy.
TAP targets first gas sales to Georgia and Turkey for late 2018, with first deliveries to Europe following about 1 year later. TAP is owned by BP PLC 20%, State Oil Co. of Azerbaijan Republic 20%, Statoil AS 20%, Fluxys 19%, Enagas SA 16%, and Axpo 5%.
