TAP Moves Forward With Construction

The TAP project proceeds with its plan to deliver Azerbaijani gas to Europe by 2019 despite plunging oil prices and looming waning gas prices.  

On Tuesday, the Trans Adriatic Pipeline issued its Invitations to Tender (ITT) for the supply of technical components necessary for the project. Specifically, the company based in Switzerland issued its ITT for large diameter ball valves and actuators.

“The ball valves and actuators are a critical part of the pipeline as without these, the pipeline cannot function. They will be installed by the onshore Engineering Pipeline Construction contractor(s) that TAP selects in Greece, Italy and Albania” Knut Steinar Kvindesland, Procurement Director at TAP said in a note. 

On Wednesday, during a conference in Brussels, several stakeholders confirmed TAP will deliver its first gas to Europe on time. 

Last week, while Russia was announcing its decision to scrap its South Stream project, TAP announced additional capacity at the pipeline’s entry point on the border between Turkey and Greece, adding that there will be additional exit points available along the route. 

Meanwhile, the CEO of South Stream Bulgaria Dimitar Gogov said in an interview to a local television that its company is continuing work.