SECOND TRANS-MEDITERRANEAN LINE ADVANCES

A major new pipeline to move Algerian gas to Europe via a second trans-Mediterranean crossing has taken another step forward. Six companies have formed a joint venture, Omegaz-Etudes, to undertake a feasibility study for the 1,250 mile line from Algeria through Morocco and across the Mediterranean to Spain.

Feb. 25, 1991

A major new pipeline to move Algerian gas to Europe via a second trans-Mediterranean crossing has taken another step forward.

Six companies have formed a joint venture, Omegaz-Etudes, to undertake a feasibility study for the 1,250 mile line from Algeria through Morocco and across the Mediterranean to Spain.

Interest owners in the Maghreb-Europe project are Algeria's Sonatrach, Soc. Morocco's Nationale des Produits Petroliers, Spain's Empresa Nacional del Gas SA, Germany's Ruhrgas AG, and Gaz de France each with 19% and Gas de Portugal 5%. If approved, the project could be complete in 3-4 years. By 1995-96, the line could supply 105-175 bcf/year of gas to Spain, 35- 70 bcf/year to Morocco, and 35 bcf/year to Portugal.

Later, the line could be linked to France and Germany, with supplies totaling a combined 280 bcf/year beginning in 2000.