Pipeline opens between Italy's Val d'Agri fields, Taranto refinery

By the OGJ Online Staff

HOUSTON, Nov. 1 -- Enterprise Oil PLC, London, said Thursday that first oil flowed through a pipeline linking the Val d'Agri oil center at Viggiano in Italy's Southern Apennines to Taranto.

Construction of the 20-in., 136-km line was completed in early October. Capacity is 150,000 b/d. The line moves crude from the Monte Alpi/Enoc fields in the Val d'Agri area of the Basilicata region to Taranto and will enable production to reach around 45,000 b/d by yearend.

AgipPeteroli SpA has a refinery at Taranto with capacity of 84,000 b/d. The crude also can be exported to the Mediterranean market.

Enterprise said once development is completed at Cerro Falcone, about 104,000 b/d will flow through the oil center in 2003.

Sam Laidlaw, Enterprise CEO said, "We will now focus on increasing output from Monte Alpi, the development of Cerro Falcone field, and moving Tempa Rossa toward sanction."

He added, "After extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders, we have conducted all our activities in compliance with regional environmental requirements in what is an area of outstanding natural beauty, and the project has contributed significantly to the local economy."

Until August, production from the oil center was limited to 9,500 b/d because the oil had to be trucked to the refinery. Production was 37,000 b/d as of Nov. 1. Enterprise's share of output is 29%.