Saipem's 165 meter long pipeline laying vessel Castoro 10 has initiated the laying of an underwater pipeline in the Black Sea area of Romania. The pipeline is an important component of the Neptun Deep project, mainly used to transport natural gas from offshore production platforms to the shore.

Project Overview

Romanian local enterprise OMV Petrom and Romgaz join hands to promote the development of the Neptun Deep project, with a total investment of up to 4 billion euros, and plans to achieve its first gas production in 2027. The total length of the pipeline laid this time is about 160 kilometers, with a diameter of 30 inches. Castoro 10, as the first vessel to be put into use in the project, has been deployed in Romania to lay the first section of the pipeline and connect it through the micro tunnel already built in Tuzla. OMV Petrom CEO Kristina Vechere said, "Neptun Deep is a strategic project related to energy security in Romania and the region, with a total investment of approximately 4 billion euros and an expected annual production of 8 billion cubic meters of natural gas. In 2026, we will make key progress in Romania by completing the installation of submarine pipelines, underwater equipment, and production platforms. All operations will strictly adhere to the highest safety and quality standards, and strive to achieve production by 2027. ”Keywords: Energy storage cluster, Energy storage base, Energy storage industry

Multiple vessels involved in construction

In addition to Castoro 10, two other ships from Saipem company, Castorone and JSD 6000, were also involved in the installation work of the project. Among them, the Castorone is 330 meters long and is one of the largest and most advanced offshore pipeline laying ships in the world; JSD 6000 is a multi-purpose deepwater pipe laying and heavy lifting vessel, 215 meters long, responsible for the installation of underwater infrastructure in deepwater areas, connecting gas wells and production platforms. Christian Hubati, a member of the OMV Petrom Exploration and Production Executive Board, said, "This year we plan to mobilize about 50 vessels to participate in the project, up to 10 of which will be put into pipeline installation work. These are world-class underwater installation specialized vessels, including some of the world's largest offshore operation equipment." The Neptun Deep project as a whole includes an offshore production platform, three underwater systems, 10 production wells, and an onshore natural gas metering and control station located in Tuzla.Editor/Gong Ziwei