Third Party Access (TPA) Exemption will allow Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) AG to enter into long-term ship-or-pay gas transportation agreements with the shippers of Shah Deniz II gas.

These submissions continue TAP AG’s applications process to obtain all necessary permits and authorisations needed for the construction and operation of the TAP gas pipeline, which is designed to transport up to 20 Bcm/a of gas.

TAP will involve 466 km of pipeline through Greece, 204 km through Albania, 110 km offshore in the Adriatic Sea, and 4 km in Italy. Transport will begin near the Greek-Turkish broder at Komotini, cross Albania and the Adratic Sea, and connect with the Italian natural gas distribution system near San Foca in Italy.

TAP AG Managing Director Kjetil Tungland said “The fact that TAP has applied for its TPA exemptions in all three host countries further demonstrates its continued progress and strong commitment to construct major new gas infrastructure in Europe. TAP’s realisation will be a major step forward in opening the Southern Gas Corridor, thereby diversifying supply and enhancing energy security for Europe.

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“I am delighted that TAP is following the necessary processes in all of the three host countries. It is my firm belief that TAP is able to offer the Shah Deniz Consortium the most economic and reliable solution for the export of its gas,” Mr Tungland added.

TAP’s shareholders include EGL, Statoil and E.ON Ruhrgas. The project is expected to commence pipeline operations from Shah Deniz in 2017/18, in time for first gas export west of Turkey.