The company responsible for the construction for the project's offshore section, South Stream Transport B.V, always remained focused on reaching the Turkish shores and is on track to make this happen, said Erich Jurdik, deputy CEO responsible from construction on Tuesday.
Jurdik, who has been working for South Stream Transport for seven years, told Anadolu Agency that he is now responsible from the construction process of the TurkStream, the second project to deliver Russian natural gas to Turkey across the Black Sea. TurkStream is a more challenging and sophisticated project -- due to deeper waters and higher capacity -- than the Blue Stream project, which has been in operation for over 15 years now.
He told that based on the experience from and success of the Blue Stream, surveys were conducted for the TurkStream.
"We are progressing at very high speeds as permitted by the weather, and we will complete the first offshore line of the TurkStream this spring," he explained.
Jurdik remains positive about the project and said that to date, the project did not encounter any major problems including budgetary setbacks.
Asked whether the company considered alternative routes during the jet crisis between Turkey and Russia, Jurdik said that TurkStream remained in focus with Turkey as the destination. "Even during that period, the project was on the table. We worked on it and didn't look for any alternatives," he explained.
"We are in a relatively comfortable position but of course we shouldn’t fall asleep. The project is critical but is progressing positively. We have to be very vigilant and careful about what we do to complete everything in time. From the technical and commercial point of view, I don’t foresee any major issues and delays for the TurkStream," he stressed.
Jurdik hailed the strong relations that the company has with its partners and contractors as a key component to the success of the project.
He said that the company has good contractors, with the Jersey-based oil field services company, Petrofac building a $404 million gas receiving terminal for the TurkStream project.
"We work as a team altogether. Close relations can prevent any kind of delays. We also meet regularly with our Turkish partners and have support from BOTAS [Turkey's state-owned crude oil and natural gas pipelines and trading company]. We have good collaboration and open communication. We work with hundreds of people," he said.
He said that the local Turkish company Tekfen, a sub-contractor to Petrofac, has worked on previous projects together with Petrofac, which he said was a big advantage in collaboration.
He also commended the other local Turkish company, Ceynak, which has signed a logistics agreement with South Stream Transport for the timely supply of pipes that are now ready in Samsun for pipelaying.
Jurdik gave a briefing on the current status of the project and explained that the onshore facility on the Russian side is almost completed. Construction of the Turkish side has started with the clearing of the site in preparation for construction in Kiyikoy, in the Turkish Thrace region where the pipeline will land.
Highlighting the benefits of TurkStream for both Turkey and Russia, “Russia benefits with a modern and reliable route to one of their largest markets, while Turkey can secure its natural gas supply with a direct connection to Russia. The development of TurkStream is a clear win-win,” Jurdik said.
- Careful planning keeps project on schedule
Albert Haak, head of pre-construction and engineering department at South Stream Transport, said Turkey’s Energy and Natural Resources Ministry has shown support and cooperation for the project.
“We have a great cooperation from ministries at all levels,” he said.
He added that both sides, Russia and Turkey, are cooperating well for the project that Russian and Turkish governments endorse.
“Very careful planning and cooperation was a must for a project like this and we received all permits on time,” he explained.
Relations between Russia and Turkey soured in November 2015 after the downing of Russian jet along the Syrian border, which had violated Turkish airspace. Relations began to thaw on 29 June 2016 following a letter and subsequent telephone calls between the countries’ leaders.
By Murat Temizer and Baris Saglam in Amsterdam
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr