Vlore, studies for pipeline

“The undersea study is being made by the TAP project, with the support of the subcontractor D’Apolonia, an Italian leader in engineering with deep construction, geotechnical, environmental, geological, geophysical, hydrological and hydraulics competences”, says the press release, according to Shqip.

Albert Haak, TAP manager for Albania, declared that the maritime study is being made in full accordance with the highest international standards for environment and security.

“Tap has taken all necessary permits from the Port Authorities and the Ministry, including the Environment Ministry. The detailed analyze of the sea bed is necessary for establishing the accurate track in open sea and the further engineering works with the pipeline.”

TAP also underlines that the pipeline construction will be done only if this project will be selected by the Shah Deniz consortium II, and if everything will go well, the construction works will start by 2015.

TAP will enter Albania from Miras, Korce, and will continue for 209 kilometers, to Seman. The pipeline will be two meters underground and the consortium will pay rent for the right of passage.

The TAP chances for succeeding with this project increased significantly lately, when the Shah Deniz consortium decided to refuse an Italian-Greek offer that aimed to avoid Albania. This avoidance increased the cost, since the maritime pipeline is three times more expensive than the terrestrial one, and the distance between Greece and Italy is bigger than between Albania and Italy.

TAP is currently facing the absence of a partner in Greece and Italy, and is asking cooperation from these two countries for securing the licenses from the respective governments. Meanwhile, Albania has given the licenses without conditions.

Top Channel