Offshore construction begins on 2.2km deep TurkStream gas pipeline

Construction has begun in the Black Sea on the offshore section of the TurkStream gas pipeline.

Pipelaying is being carried out off the Russian coast by Audacia, a vessel owned by Allseas – the contractor responsible for the construction of both strings of the gas pipeline’s offshore section. The vessel will also be used for pipe pulling through microtunnels during the construction process. In deep water areas, the pipelaying vessel Pioneering Spirit will carry out construction work for the new pipeline.

Once complete, the TurkStream pipeline will connect the large gas reserves in Russia to Turkey’s gas transportation network, creating a reliable energy source for Turkey and the south-east of Europe. The offshore section of the impressive new pipeline will run for 900km through the Black Sea, from Anapa in Russia to Kiyikoy in Turkey. The parallel strings of the pipeline will be laid as far as 2.2km beneath the surface, becoming the first 32inch sized system to run at a depth over 2km.

“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,” said Alexey Miller, Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee.