Azerbaijan, Baku, Aug. 13 /Trend, A.Badalova/
Nabucco Pipeline Consortium has announced the activities to be conducted by the start of construction of the pipeline, which is expected in 2013.
The Nabucco Gas Pipeline International GmbH's report on the current status of the project says that one of the important steps in the near future will be the launch of the "Open Season" capacity marketing process.
The "Open Season" is expected to start after the shareholders of the project receive the first results of discussions with potential gas suppliers. "Open Season" is the basis for making a final investment decision on the project, which is expected later this year.
The important steps also include start of the tendering process for the procurement of line pipe and related material supplies. In April 2010, the Consortium announced the start of prequalification process for potential vendors of materials and construction works. Currently, the Consortium is negotiating with 45 pre-qualified suppliers.
The Consortium also intends to continue the process of the environmental and social impact assessment, which is scheduled to be completed in 2012 and also acquisition of rights of way and construction permits.
The report says by 2013 it is expected to sign the first gas transportation agreements, as well as conducting pre-qualification process for potential suppliers of materials and construction work. Specific dates for announcing the pre-qualification process have not been indicated.
Nabucco envisages gas supplies from the Caspian region and the Middle East to the EU countries. Participants of the project are Austrian OMV, Hungarian MOL, Bulgarian Bulgargaz, Romanian Transgaz, Turkish Botas and German RWE companies. Each of participants has equal share to the amount of 16.67 percent. The project's construction is planned to start in 2013. The pipeline's maximum capacity will hit 31 billion cubic meters per year.