TurkStream Nearshore Works Begin

Nearshore works for the TurkStream offshore gas pipeline near the Turkish town of Kiyiköy have started on Sunday.

The nearshore component in Turkey involves constructing seabed trenches for around 2.4 kilometers length from the shoreline into the sea in order to bury the pipes for protection against wave action and avoidance of fishing interaction.

The process of offshore trenching is expected to last four to eight weeks.

Independent third party experts prepared an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to determine the best route for the pipeline and potential impacts related to the works. These studies demonstrate that the nearshore work will have small, temporary and localized effects for the local fishing industry.

“We are pleased to be in line with our construction schedule to ensure that gas deliveries start by the end of 2019. We will try and make sure to minimize and mitigate the disturbance to the local residents during the nearshore works,” Sander van Rootselaar, TurkStream spokesperson, said.

TurkStream project company is engaging with local fishermen over a voluntary compensation scheme for potential loss of income during the period of nearshore works within the framework of its commitment to remedy any local impacts to be experienced.

In parallel, Pioneering Spirit is progressing in fast pace. The landfall facilities on the Russian side of the Black Sea, near the city of Anapa, is in the final stages of construction and will be completed in 2018.