Trans-Mediterranean Pipeline

The Trans-Mediterranean Pipeline (TransMed; also Enrico Mattei gas pipeline) is a natural gas pipeline from Algeria via Tunisia to Sicily and thence to mainland Italy. An extension of the TransMed pipeline delivers Algerian gas to Slovenia.

"Transmed" redirects here. For the concept in LGBT discourse, see Transmedicalism.
Trans-Mediterranean Pipeline
Trans-Mediterranean and future Trans-Saharan gas pipelines
Location
CountryAlgeria, Tunisia, Italy
General directionsouth-north
FromHassi R'Mel, Algeria
Passes throughTunisia, Mediterranean Sea
ToMinerbio, Italy
General information
Typenatural gas
PartnersSonatrach, Sotugat, Eni
OperatorSonatrach, Sergaz, TMPC,
Commissioned1983
Technical information
Length2,475 km (1,538 mi)
Maximum discharge30.2 billion cubic metres per annum (1.07×10^12 cu ft/a)

History

The pipeline from Algeria to Italy was proposed in 1960s. A preliminary feasibility study was conducted in 1969 and the first route survey in 1970. In 1974–75, technical tests of laying pipes in the Mediterranean Sea were carried out. In 1977, supply and transit agreements were signed.[1]

The first phase of pipeline was constructed in 1978–1983 and second phase in 1991–1994.[2] The capacity of the pipeline was doubled in 1994. In 2000, the gas pipeline was named after Enrico Mattei.

In the fall of 1997, a terrorist attack severed the pipeline in Algeria for five days.[1] The pipeline was listed under the Critical Foreign Dependencies Initiative by the United States in a diplomatic cable leaked to WikiLeaks.[3]

On February 28, 2010, a new 549-kilometre (341 mi) section was completed in Bir El Ater, Tebessa Province, which was expected to increase transport capacity by 7 billion cubic metres per annum (250 billion cubic feet per annum).[4]

Route

The pipeline begins from the Hassi R'mel field in Algeria and runs 550 kilometres (340 mi) to the Tunisian border. In Tunisia, the pipeline runs for 370 kilometres (230 mi) to El Haouaria, in the Cap Bon region, after which it crosses the 155-kilometre (96 mi)-wide Channel of Sicily.[1][2] It landfalls in Mazara del Vallo in Sicily. From there, the pipeline continues 340 kilometres (210 mi) in Sicily, 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) across the Strait of Messina and 1,055 kilometres (656 mi) in Italian mainland to northern Italy with a branch to Slovenia.[1]

Technical description

The Algerian section consists of a compressor station and two lines with 48 inches (1,220 mm) diameter. The Tunisian section consists of three compressor stations and two lines of 48 inches (1,220 mm) diameter.[1][2] In 2007, SCOGAT (Société pour la Construction du Gazoduc Transtunisien) awarded the Italian contractor Saipem a contract for two new gas compression stations and the upgrading of the existing compressor stations allowing to increase the capacity of Tunisian section by 6.5 bcm.[5] The royalties for the gas transport received by Tunisia are 5.25 — 6.75 percent value of the transported gas. The offshore section across Channel of Sicily consists three lines with diameter of 20 inches (510 mm) and two lines with diameter of 26 inches (660 mm). In Italy, the diameter of two lines varies between 42 inches (1,070 mm) and 48 inches (1,220 mm).[2]

The current capacity of pipeline is 30.2 billion cubic meter (bcm) of natural gas per year. There are plans to expand the capacity up to 33.5 bcm by 2012.[6]

Operators

Algerian section is operated by Algerian state-owned company Sonatrach. The Tunisian section is owned by Sotugat (Société Tunisienne du Gazoduc Trans-tunisien) and operated by TTPC (Eni group, 100%). The section across the Channel of Sicily is operated by TMPC, a joint venture of Eni and Sonatrach. The Italian section is operated by Snam Rete Gas.

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See also

References
  1. Hayes, Mark H. (May 2004). "Algerian Gas to Europe: The Transmed Pipeline and Early Spanish Gas Import Projects. Working Paper #27" (PDF). Geopolitics of Natural Gas Study. Stanford University; Program on Energy and Sustainable Development: 9–11. Retrieved 2014-02-26. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  2. Domenico Dispenza (2002-03-26). International Pipelines across the Mediterranean (PDF). Cross Border Gas Trade Issues Workshop. International Energy Agency. Retrieved 2009-07-29.
  3. "Viewing cable 09STATE15113, REQUEST FOR INFORMATION:CRITICAL FOREIGN DEPENDENCIES (CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND KEY RESOURCES LOCATED ABROAD)". WikiLeaks. 2009-02-18. Archived from the original on 2010-12-24.
  4. "Algeria opens new Trans-Med gas pipeline section". Magharebia.com. 2010-03-01.
  5. "Saipem lifts deals worth $1.3bn". Upstream Online. NHST Media Group. 2007-02-16. Retrieved 2008-03-11.
  6. "Eni to invest 330 mln eur to hike Transmed gas pipeline capacity". Forbes. 2005-05-24. Retrieved 2009-07-29.

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