TANAP Pipeline Agreement Signed in Turkey

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has described TANAP as "a peace project". Photo by EPA/BGNES

The agreement to go on with the Trans-Anatolian gas pipeline (TANAP) was signed in Turkey's biggest city Istanbul.

Six Turkish companies are to supply most (80%) of the steel pipes needed for the 1800-km-long pipeline, H?rriyet Daily News reports.

The remainder will be provided by German-based Chinese Baosteel Europe.

At a special ceremony Turkish Prime Minister Davuto?lu described TANAP as "not only an energy project, but also a peace project".

Gas from Azerbaijan will be carried out to Europe via Turkey as the EU is exploring options to reduce its dependence on Russian resources.

The pipeline is expected to go along Turkey's borders with Bulgaria and Greece on its way further into Europe.

First deliveries of gas through the pipes are expected in 2019.

Officials hope at least 15 000 jobs will be created during construction phase.

TANAP's price tag is estimated at about USD 10-11 B.

The pipeline has often been described as the third step of the so-called "Southern Gas Corridor", the construction of which began with a ceremony in mid-September.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!