99% of TAP pipes are in ground in Greece

99 percent of pipes have been lowered into the ground in Greece as part of the construction of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), which envisages transportation of Azerbaijani gas to Europe, said a message from TAP AG consortium, Report informs.

"Steel pipes for TAP construction in Greece were delivered to Thessaloniki and Kavala ports in May 2016. Three years later, 99% of pipes are in the ground," the message said.

TAP, which is a part of Southern Gas Corridor project, will initially transport annual 10 bln cubic meters of the gas produced within 'Shah Deniz 2' project, to Europe. This pipeline will connect with TANAP (Trans Anatolian) pipeline in Kipoi territory on Turkey-Greece border and cross Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea before going onshore in southern Italy.

Total cost of TAP project is estimated 4.5 billion euro.

After reviewing various selection options during two years, on June 28, 2013, 'Shah Deniz' Consortium has officially declared selection of the TAP project. The pipeline is 878 kilometers long, with 550 km in Greece, 215 km in Albania, 105 km in Adriatic Sea and 8 km in Southern Italy. The pipeline peak will lie in the mountains of Albania (1,800 meters), the lowest part (-820 meters) beneath the sea.

TAP's groundbreaking ceremony was held in Thessaloniki, Greece on May 17, 2016. Azerbaijani gas will be delivered to Europe in 2020.