The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) will transport gas from the giant Shah Deniz II field in Azerbaijan via Greece and Albania and across the Adriatic Sea to southern Italy and further into Western Europe. The project is aimed at enhancing security of supply as well as diversification of gas supplies for the European markets. TAP will open a new so-called Southern Gas Corridor to Europe and establish a new market outlet for natural gas from the Caspian Sea.

The project is designed to expand transportation capacity from 10 to 20 bcm per year, depending on supply and demand. TAP’s shareholding is comprised of BP (20%), SOCAR (20%), Statoil (20%), Fluxys (16%), Total (10%), E.ON (9%) and Axpo (5%).

The Trans Adriatic Pipeline starts near Kipoi on the border of Turkey and Greece, where it will seamlessly connect with the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP). From there TAP will continue onshore crossing the entire territory of Greece and Albania from east to west all the way to the Adriatic Sea coast. The TAP route is approximately 870 kilometres in length (Approx.: Greece 550 km; Albania 210 km; offshore Adriatic Sea 105km; Italy 5 km). TAP’s highest elevation point will be 1,800 meters in Albania’s mountains, while its lowest part offshore will be at 810 meters of depth.

The associated facilities of the pipeline system in the Greek Section include 23 block valve stations, 2 Compressor Stations (final configuration) and potential take-off points along the route.

Provided Services

C&M Engineering is the main subcontractor of ROYAL HASKONING DHV for the provision of Land Easement and Acquisition Services for the Greek section of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline. TAP has selected the Performance Requirements of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to serve as the benchmark and ensure that the foreseen negotiations will yield the optimum results for all those involved.

Within this framework C&M will:

• Implement the Land Easement and Acquisition Information Management System and manage all relevant GIS and Data
• Undertake a Census & Asset Inventory
• Coordinate the establishment of Livelihood Restoration frameworks
• Establish, train and lead the land access team
• Operationalise stakeholder engagement
• Prepare negotiation materials
• Undertake consultations and negotiations with affected land and right holders
• Establish option contracts
• Prepare for expropriation of land for absentees and contested parcels