- Pipeline onshore
- gas
Trans-Adriatic Pipeline between Greece and Albania
⧭ Greece-Albania
Client: Trans-Adriatic Pipeline AG
The project
This Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract covered three works packages for onshore pipelines within the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline project.
- In Greece – a 48” gas pipeline spanning 185 km between the Turkish border and the Greek coast on the Aegean Sea at Kavala. This stretch also included horizontal directional drilling between Turkey and Greece.
- In Albania – a 48” gas pipeline spanning 209 km and a 36” segment spanning 6 km.
The TAP project represents the last portion of this corridor, stretching from the border between Turkey and Greece through to Italy. It carries gas from the Shah Deniz II gas field in Azerbaijan to Europe.
Spanning a total 878 km, the Trans Adriatic Pipeline is connected to the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) at the border between Turkey and Greece. It crosses Greece, Albania, and the Adriatic Sea to join the Italian gas network.
Sections 4 and 5
Albania
Sections 4 and 5
Albania
Sections 4 and 5 of the project cover 215 km across Albania, from the Greek border to the Adriatic Sea. The route, which runs from sea level to 2,000 m above sea level, was one of the most difficult due to the complex topography.
Our logistical expertise enabled us to mobilise a considerable volume of equipment and materials. Despite a very tight schedule, we launched the project and started welding operations in less than six months. The route crosses many rivers and roads, which presented major challenges, especially in the central mountainous section, with steep slopes that required special systems to install the pipeline.
Three micro-tunnel crossings were dug to cross major natural obstacles.
We had to adjust the construction sequencing after additional geological assessments revealed the location of certain sections of the pipeline needed adjusting. We supported the project by sharing our expertise to define and implement mitigation measures.
Section 1
Greece
Section 1
Greece
Section 1 comprises a 185 km long, 48″ diameter gas pipeline extending from the Turkish border across the Greek Aegean coast to Kavala. This section also includes Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) between the Turkish and Greek borders.
Despite a very tight schedule, we commenced welding activities in less than 6 months. The pipeline route crossed 18 rivers, 18 main roads, and 6 railways.
Spotlight on the environment
Land remediation
Land remediation
Spiecapag put in place a remediation plan that seeks to restore local ecosystems and minimise the environmental impact of work
- Restoration of the initial topography
- Aeration of organic land perpendicular to the slope to avoid surface runoff
Biodiversity preservation
Biodiversity preservation
It is crucial to monitor predators such as wolves and bears to minimise the impact of work on wildlife and guarantee worker safety.
- Installation of motion detection cameras
- Balance between wildlife protection and smooth operational proceedings
- Large predator monitoring plan
- Daily and weekly inspections carried out during the construction phase by the site’s environment coordinator and a specialised ecologist
Replanting of 40,000 species of plant.
Waste management and reduction
Waste management and reduction
This made it possible to reduce the need for chemical fertiliser for the 250,000 trees planted. It reduced organic waste and transport costs as well as increased the survival rate of trees planted.
A considerable volume of organic waste was generated as part of the TAP project in Albania, with the installation of two camps accommodating up to 1,250 people. Spiecapag sought an effective, natural alternative to reuse a portion of this waste. Two composters (with a capacity of 1,750 litres per week) were installed to reduce the impact of food waste by returning important nutrients back into the soil. The compost was used to plant trees, restore wetlands and revitalise natural habitats.
Waterway remediation
Waterway remediation
River crossings:
- Preserve water bodies
- Avoid and reduce the risk of temporary leakage of particulate matter
- Reduce the risk of modifying the profile of the water and localised destruction of the river banks and/or bed