how long will a pipeline take to build pipeline construction process

At this point however, the tunnel boring machine jammed. In addition to the technical issues intrinsic to such a challenging project, the teams also had to face tough weather conditions and manage access to a very remote area 12 kilometres from any paved road and a three-hour journey from base camp.īoring started in mid-July 2019 and by mid-August 2019 the boring team had drilled approximately 60% of the tunnel. With no option of rerouting, TAP decided to drill a 480-metre micro-tunnel underneath the area to avoid installing the pipeline in unstable ground.

From the main marshalling yards, the pipes were transported further to the local pipe yards near the construction sites along the pipeline route.Īt the pipeline’s highest point in Albania, at altitudes of more than 1,800 metres, TAP’s engineers were faced with some of the most challenging terrain and difficult geological conditions of the entire pipeline route. The pipes were transported to TAP’s main marshalling yards in 79 sea vessel shipments and 158 block trains within Greece. To protect the environment, many different construction techniques were employed for crossing roads and rivers, such as horizontal directional drilling and micro-tunnels.Īpproximately 55,000 pipes have been used to build the pipeline, weighing circa 520,000 tonnes or the equivalent of 71 Eiffel towers. Pipe-laying work was undertaken in ‘spreads’ or sections, with some locations presenting significant engineering challenges. Finally, each area was backfilled and reinstated. The route was cleared, trenches dug, and pipes welded together and lowered into the ground. The pipeline construction involved the rehabilitation of several access roads and bridges across our host countries. TAP stretches 773 kilometres over a varied and complex terrain. Maintenance calendar & exceptional events Social and environmental investments in Albania

Social and environmental investments in Greece Social and environmental investments in Italy Environmental, social & cultural heritage protection

How long will a pipeline take to build pipeline construction process