The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) has awarded a significant contract to Saipem SpA for Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation (EPCI) of the 36-inch offshore pipeline to be built across the Adriatic Sea.

The pipeline will run between the coastlines of Albania and Italy and will be approximately 105 km in length, down to 820 meters below sea level in the deepest portion of the route. This work will be carried out this year using Saipem’s semisubmersible pipelay vessel Castoro Sei and the trench/pipelay barge Castoro 10.

Ian Bradshaw, Managing Director at TAP, said: “I want to congratulate Saipem SpA for securing this important assignment and thank all the companies that participated in this tender round. While offshore construction raises specific challenges, Saipem SpA’s robust technical bid, strong safety track record and experienced team of specialists reassure us that works will be executed to the highest standards and industry best practice.”

Saipem is one of the world leaders in drilling services, as well as in the engineering, procurement, construction and installation of pipelines.