TAP re-launches its procurement process

Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) has taken the decision to re-launch its procurement process, following a review of its strategy and schedule. TAP will therefore initiate new pre-qualifications for goods and services that the natural gas pipeline project requires.

The revised pre-qualification process should ensure maximum opportunity for national and international suppliers to take part in this important and strategic project.

TAP will re-launch the process to procure goods and services in the following main areas:

• Engineering procurement construction (EPC): the majority of suppliers who will be requested to pre-qualify this year will be for EPC services. These include for example: onshore and offshore pipeline construction services, compressor stations and pipeline receiving terminal construction.
• Supply contracts: these include the procurement of steel pipes, SCADA systems and large diameter pipeline valves. These contracts will be managed by TAP directly.

TAP intends to publish notices in the Official Journal of the EU - The EU Gazette for each of the contracts. Companies with the relevant experience can apply.The first Contract Notice can be found in the EU Gazette for pre-qualification of potential suppliers for construction of Albanian Access Roads and Bridges. Subsequent Contract Notices will appear over the next months.

TAP encourages all companies with relevant experience – including those that applied previously – to participate in the new rounds of pre-qualification. TAP will also provide clear guidance to companies with regard to participation in the tender processes.

Trans Adriatic Pipeline

TAP will transport natural gas from the giant Shah Deniz II field in Azerbaijan to Europe. The approximately 870 km long pipeline will connect with the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) near the Turkish-Greek border at Kipoi, cross Greece and Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Southern Italy.

TAP’s routing can facilitate gas supply to several South Eastern European countries, including Bulgaria, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia and others. TAP’s landfall in Italy provides multiple opportunities for further transport of Caspian natural gas to some of the largest European markets such as Germany, France, the UK, Switzerland and Austria.

TAP will promote the economic development and job creation along the pipeline route; it will be a major source of foreign direct investment and it is not dependent on grants or subsidies. With first gas sales to Georgia and Turkey targeted for late 2018, first deliveries to Europe will follow approximately a year later.

Adapted from press release by Hannah Priestley-Eaton

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/16042014/tap_relaunches_its_procurement_process/