Saipem will build the off shore section of the new Trans Adriatic Pipeline AG (TAP) gas pipeline. The Group has been awarded the engineering, supply, construction and installation (EPCI) contract for the 36-inch (90 cm) diameter undersea pipeline which will cross the Adriatic Sea linking the coasts of Albania and southern Italy. It will have a length of about 105 km and will reach a maximum depth of about 820 meters below sea level. The EPCI contract also extends to civil engineering works - specifies a note from Tap - for the construction of landings both in Albania and in Italy (including the micro-tunnel), laying the pipeline at sea, installing the optical fiber cable and related preparatory activities and surveys at sea. The 36-inch pipes, anodes and buckle arrestors will be supplied by TAP.
Ian Bradshaw, Managing Director of TAP, commented: «I would like to congratulate Saipem SpA for being awarded such an important assignment and at the same time thank all the companies that participated in the tender. If it is true that the construction of the offshore section poses specific challenges, the robustness of Saipem SpA's technical offer, the solid track record it boasts in terms of safety and the highly experienced team of specialists that the company has put in place reassure that the works will be carried out to the highest standards and in compliance with industry best practice.
Saipem is one of the world leaders in drilling, engineering, procurement, construction and installation services for pipelines and large plants in the offshore and onshore oil & gas sector. The company has strong expertise in harsh environments, remote areas and deep water activities. Saipem provides a full range of services with contracts on an "EPC" and/or "EPIC" basis and has specific capabilities and high-tech assets.
During the year, TAP awarded numerous contracts: construction and rehabilitation of roads and bridges in Albania (April 2015), contract for the supply of ball valves (July 2015), contract for the supply of turbochargers (September 2015), contracts for the design, manufacture and supply of couplings, of insulating joints and receiving units (October 2015), contracts for the supply of pipes and connections (October 2015), contracts for the supply of 495 km of pipes (November 2015), contract for the laying of the pipeline and the construction of the Reception Terminal in Italy (December 2015).
