Baku, Azerbaijan, April 15
By Aygun Badalova -Trend:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) has taken the decision to re-launch its procurement process, following a review of its strategy and schedule, TAP reported on April 15.
TAP will therefore initiate new pre-qualifications for goods and services that the natural gas pipeline project requires.
TAP will re-launch the process to procure goods and services in two main areas - Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) and Supply Contracts.
This year, the majority of suppliers, who will be requested to pre-qualify this year, will be requested to pre-qualify for Engineering Procurement Construction services, according to TAP's report.
These include, in particular, onshore and offshore pipeline construction services, compressor stations and Pipeline Receiving Terminal construction.
Supply Contracts include the procurement of steel pipes, SCADA systems and large diameter pipeline valves. These contracts will be managed by TAP directly.
The TAP project was selected by the consortium of Azerbaijani Shah Deniz field development as the transportation route to the European markets.
The approximately 870 km long pipeline will connect with the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) near the Turkish-Greek border at Kipoi, cross Greece and Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Southern Italy.
The initial capacity of the pipeline will be 10 billion cubic meters per year, but it can easily be expanded to 20 billion cubic meters per year.
TAP's shareholding is comprised of BP (20 percent), SOCAR (20 percent), Statoil (20 percent), Fluxys (16 percent), Total (10 percent), E.ON (9 percent) and Axpo (5 percent).
Last week TAP received Compound Development Permit in Albania, which represents the permit which will authorise TAP AG to start its construction activities in this country. The construction activities are expected to start in Albania in 2015.