The significance of TAP as
a strategic piece of the Southern Gas Corridor infrastructure, which will bring
initial volumes of gas from Azerbaijan to Europe, was underlined by the
presence of the Prime Minister of Georgia Georgi Kvirikashvili, the First
Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Yaqub Eyyubov, the Deputy Prime Minister of
Albania Niko Peleshi, the EU Vice President for Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič,
the US Special Envoy and Coordinator for International Energy Amos Hochstein,
the Minister of Energy of Turkey Berat Albayrak, the Minister of Economic
Development of Italy Carlo Calenda, the Minister of Energy of Bulgaria
Temenuzhka Petkova, as well as the Switzerland State Secretary Federal Office
of Energy Walter Steinmann.
The Prime Minister
of the Hellenic Republic, Alexis Tsipras,
stated amongst others in his speech:"The beginning of construction for the Trans Adriatic Pipeline, TAP, is taking
place at a pivotal time for the Greek economy and our wider region. With regard
to the project’s financial aspect, ensuring Europe’s energy supply as well as
diversifying its energy sources and routes constitute the foundation stone of
both our country’s energy strategy and the overall European planning.”
"As for its geo-strategic
aspect, this project can contribute to energy becoming a bridge of
collaboration and prosperity for everyone in our region.”
Shareholders from BP,
SOCAR, Snam, Fluxys, Enagás and Axpo and over 300 high-level guests attended
the event. The ceremony concluded with the signing of a pipe casing.
Ian Bradshaw,
Managing Director at TAP,
commented: "Today’s event marks a major milestone for the Trans Adriatic
Pipeline, our shareholders and for the energy landscape of Europe. After
winning the bid in 2013 and working diligently to prepare for this moment, we
are delighted to have started constructing the pipeline – a strategic project
for Europe transporting new sources of Caspian gas via a new route commencing
in 2020 and for years to come.”
"Our commitment to this
project along with the endorsement of all parties present here today will help
ensure that we deliver gas to European markets on schedule, bringing
significant economic benefits to both our host countries and the countries
where Caspian gas will be sold. TAP will also help integrate and diversify
Europe’s energy supply, making a significant contribution to improving its
energy security.”
In the context of the
inauguration ceremony, the Greek Minister of Environment and Energy
Panos Skourletis stated, regarding the overall significance of the
project: "Today, we have proceeded from the concept of a very significant
energy project of global impact, to its implementation. We go from theory to
practice, in order for Greece to set a new course entailing growth for all.
TAP’s importance transcends our country’s geographical borders and the
short-term timeframe. It constitutes a special kind of infrastructure
pertaining to the energy sector, which can support great endeavours and
long-term plans. We will continue towards that direction, in order for this
type of energy infrastructure to enable further support to everyone’s
development efforts, as well as Greece’s dynamic interaction with the other countries
of either energy flows or needs”.
The 48 inch diameter (36
inch offshore and in Italy) Trans Adriatic Pipeline, which constitutes the
European leg of the Southern Gas Corridor, is a gateway project that will
deliver 10bcm/a of new Caspian gas supplies to Europe from 2020.
TAP will transport natural
gas from the giant Shah Deniz II field in Azerbaijan to Europe. The 878 km long
pipeline will connect with the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) at the
Turkish-Greek border at Kipoi, cross Greece and Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before
coming ashore in Southern Italy.
TAP’s routing can
facilitate gas supply to several South Eastern European countries, including
Bulgaria, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia and others.
TAP’s landfall in Italy provides multiple opportunities for further transport
of Caspian natural gas to some of the largest European markets such as Germany,
France, the UK, Switzerland and Austria.
TAP will promote the
economic development and job creation along the pipeline route; it will be a
major source of foreign direct investment. With first gas sales to Georgia and
Turkey targeted for late 2018, first deliveries to Europe will follow
approximately one year later in early 2020.
TAP’s shareholding is
comprised of BP (20%), SOCAR (20%), Snam (20%), Fluxys (19%), Enagás (16%) and
Axpo (5%).