Construction launched for gas pipeline project between Russia and Turkey

The TurkStream project which aims to create a transit-free export gas pipeline across the Black Sea has started on May 7.

The TurkStream project is to feature a 900km long pipeline through the Black Sea connecting Russia from the coast, near Anapa, to the Thrace region of Turkey.

The project consists of two offshore lines. The first string of gas pipeline would be dedicated to Turkish consumers whereas the gas on the second is to be delivered to Southern and Southeastern Europe. The annual gas capacity of each string is to be 15.75bn cubic meters. Up to 150,000 pipes are to be produced for the project undertaking.

The TurkStream’s objective is to link the Russian gas reserves to the Turkish gas transportation network in order to supply reliable energy to Turkey and South-East Europe.

The Russian global energy company, Gazprom has started the project works. The contractor Allseas is in charge of the pipe-laying and has planned to use the Pioneering spirit construction vessel to undertake deep-water works for the gas pipeline.

Alexey Miller, Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee commented: “Today, we started the practical implementation of the TurkStream gas pipeline project: pipe-laying within the offshore section. By late 2019, our Turkish and European consumers will have a new, reliable source of Russian gas imports.”

The TurkStream project could cost $12.51 billion.