SOCAR to Start Work on New Pipeline in 2012

Azerbaijan may begin work on a new pipeline in 2012, to help deal with an increased gas transit demand, it has been revealed. Speaking to the Baku, Azerbaijan news channel ANS on Friday, President of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) Rovnag Abdullaev said that construction will begin on a new pipeline to transport gas via Turkey to Europe.

"It is intended to produce 50 billion cubic meters of gas by 2025," Mr. Abdullaev said. "Together with Turkey, we have agreed to study the construction of a new gas pipeline that will pass through the territory of Turkey for delivering the considerable part of this volume to the world market. This will be a new pipeline and with the increase in gas production in the region, the pipeline capacity will also be increased."

Mr. Abdullaev said that work was to begin quickly on the project, with all issues and limitations ironed out by 2012, and a completion date was set for five years after commencement. 

"We intend to complete solution of all issues on this pipeline in 2012, and without delay, start building in order to make it ready by the end of 2017 when the second phase of development of Shah Deniz project is launched," he said.

Mr. Abdullaev also said that SOCAR will continue to consider other transit routes and options, as well as agreements with other parties.

"We have the opportunity to estimate several projects regarding the transportation of Azeri gas to Europe," he said.  I think the selection procedure will be completed in late 2011/early 2012."