The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) AG is pleased to announce that construction in Greece, the project’s greatest geography, advances according to schedule. Ten months after the Inauguration Ceremony held in May 2016, construction has significantly progressed in two of the three Northern Greek Prefectures to be traversed by the pipeline: Eastern Macedonia-Thrace and Central Macedonia.
As of end-March 2017, out of the ca. 550 km of pipeline in total to be built on Greek soil, TAP’s contractors have already
- received 66% of the total 32,000 line pipes to be used for the construction of the pipeline’s Greek section;
- cleared and graded 260 km of the project’s route (RoW);
- strung 217 km of pipeline;
- welded 184 km of the mainline.
At the same time
- 154 km of trench have been opened;
- 119 km of pipeline have been lowered into the trench;
- 97 km of pipeline has been backfilled; and
- 18 km of land is being reinstated.
Commenting on the timely progress of construction, TAP’s Country Manager for Greece, Rikard Scoufias, stated: "I would like to congratulate all EPC contractors for the effectiveness and quality of their work, and kindly thank local communities and competent authorities for their collaboration."
As construction progresses, the direct benefits arising for the country, its economy, and local communities thanks to the project’s implementation are also becoming more evident:
- Presently, there are more than 2,500 people working for the project in Greece, out of which ca. 400 are archaeologists and specialised archaeological workers.
- 2 out of the 5 Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractors operating in the TAP project are Greek companies, namely TERNA S.A. in a joint venture with Renco S.p.A. and J&P AVAX in a joint venture with Bonatti S.p.A., while AKTOR has been selected by French contractor Spiecapag as its subcontractor. Also, TAP has awarded CORINTH PIPEWORKS S.A. one of its two major contracts for the procurement of line pipes.
- The project is investing millions in the procurement of goods and services, collaborating with multiple domestic partners. Overall, 176 Greek companies have already been involved in the implementation of the project, reaping both financial benefits and invaluable expertise.
With regard to the €32 million socio-environmental investment (SEI) programme TAP has voluntarily committed to implementing, it must be noted that 40 such initiatives have already been concluded in all 3 Northern Greek Prefectures, their total value amounting to €773,000. As per TAP’s SEI strategy and its selection pillars, already implemented initiatives include:
- 25 projects supporting improved quality of life for local residents;
- 5 projects enhancing livelihoods within communities located along the routing of the pipeline;
- 5 projects enabling the cultivation of improved skills and abilities via education and training;
and 5 projects improving environmental management.
About the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP)
TAP will transport natural gas from the giant Shah Deniz II field in Azerbaijan to Europe. The approximately 878 km long pipeline will connect with the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) at the Turkish-Greek border at Kipoi, cross Greece and Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Southern Italy.
TAP’s routing can facilitate gas supply to several South Eastern European countries, including Bulgaria, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia and others. TAP’s landfall in Italy provides multiple opportunities for further transport of Caspian natural gas to some of the largest European markets such as Germany, France, the UK, Switzerland and Austria.
TAP will promote economic development and job creation along the pipeline route; it will also be a major source of foreign direct investment. With first gas sales to Georgia and Turkey targeted for late 2018, first deliveries to Europe will follow around early 2020.
TAP’s shareholding is comprised of BP (20%), SOCAR (20%), Snam (20%), Fluxys (19%), Enagás (16%) and Axpo (5%).