Construction has begun on the 48 inch diameter Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) which will deliver 10 bcm/annum of new Caspian gas supplies to Europe from 2020.

The TAP, which constitutes the European leg of the Southern Gas Corridor, will ensure Europe’s energy supply as well as diversifying its energy sources.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, hailed the groundbreaking and highlighted its significance for the regional economy in a 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 ... and constitutes the foundation stone of both our country’s energy strategy and the overall European planning.”

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.”