OMV Petrom, the largest integrated energy producer in Southeastern Europe, and SNGN ROMGAZ SA, the largest producer and main supplier of natural gas in Romania, announce the start of work on the offshore pipeline that will take gas from the sea and bring it to shore, marking an important progress in the Neptun Deep project.
“Neptun Deep is a strategic project for Romania and for the energy security of the region, with investments of approximately 4 billion euros and an estimated annual production of approximately 8 billion cubic meters of natural gas. In 2026, we will move forward with major milestones here in Romania: the installation of the offshore pipeline, subsea equipment, as well as the production platform. All activities are carried out at the highest safety and quality standards, with the objective of starting production in 2027,” said Christina Verchere, CEO of OMV Petrom.
“The planned installation works for this year involve the mobilisation of a fleet of around 50 vessels – up to 10 of which are involved in the pipeline installation works. These are top-class international vessels, specialised in subsea installations, including some of the largest offshore units in the world. The integration of maritime, subsea and onshore operations is essential to deliver the project safely and within an ambitious time horizon,” said Cristian Hubati, Member of the OMV Petrom Board of Directors responsible for Exploration and Production.
“The start of the installation works of the main gas pipeline represents the achievement of an essential objective in the development of the Neptun Deep project. The existing partnership demonstrates the efficient cooperation for the delivery of such a complex project, with a key role in energy security. The completion of the investment and the introduction into commercial exploitation of the natural gas fields starting with 2027 will strengthen Romania’s position, bringing an asset of energy resilience both at national and regional level,” added Răzvan Popescu, General Manager of SNGN ROMGAZ SA.
“Within the Neptun Deep strategic project, the main gas pipeline will be part of the infrastructure related to the natural gas production activity. The project moves this year from a global execution dimension to a local one, with a large mobilization of resources for the installation and connection of underwater equipment in the Black Sea. We are determined to successfully complete this project, in complete safety in the conduct of offshore operations, through the joint efforts of the project teams and contractors involved in the Neptun Deep project,” said Aristotel Jude, Deputy General Manager of SNGN ROMGAZ SA.
The first vessel in the fleet necessary for the development of the Neptun Deep project has arrived in Romania: Castoro 10 will install the first section of the pipeline, in the coastal area. The connection will be made through the microtunnel already built in Tuzla, a technology that increases the safety of the works and minimizes the impact on the environment.
160 km pipeline – key component of offshore infrastructure
The pipeline installation phase is a key component of the project. The pipeline will be approximately 160 km long and will consist of thousands of 30” (76 cm) diameter steel pipe segments.
The pipeline will transport natural gas from the offshore production platform to the shore, where it will be metered and fed into the National Transmission System.
The Neptun Deep infrastructure includes the offshore platform, 3 subsea systems, 10 production wells – 4 already drilled in Pelican Sud and 6 under way on Domino – and the onshore gas measurement and control station in Tuzla.
The pipeline installation vessels operate as true miniature factories. Pipeline joints are aligned, welded, tested and sealed on board, before being lowered in a continuous line to the seabed. This system allows for rigorous quality control at every stage and high efficiency even in offshore operating conditions.
The main vessels involved in the installation activities:
Castoro 10 – a pipelay and shore work vessel, over 160 metres long
Castorone – one of the largest and most powerful offshore pipelay vessels in the world, measuring approximately 330 metres long
JSD 6000 – one of the most advanced multi-purpose deepwater pipelay and heavy lift vessels currently in service. It will carry out the installation of subsea infrastructure in the deepwater area, ensuring the connection of wells to the production platform.
These vessels will be supported by supply vessels, tugs, barges and remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) units, ensuring the efficient and safe conduct of offshore operations.
