Trans-Mediterranean Pipeline
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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.
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[edit] History
The first phase of pipeline was constructed in 1978-1983 and second phase in 1991-1994. The current capacity of pipeline is 24 billion cubic meter (bcm) of natural gas annually. There are plans to expand the capacity up to 33.5 bcm by 2012.
[edit] Technical description
The Algerian section of pipeline starts from the Hassi R'mel field in Algeria and runs 550 kilometres (342 mi) to Tunisian border. It consists compressor station and 2 lines with 48 inches (1,220 mm) diameter. Algerian section is operated by Algerian state-owned company Sonatrach. The Tunisian section with length of 370 kilometres (230 mi) is owned by Sotugat (Société Tunisienne du Gazoduc Trans-tunisien) and operated by Sergaz. It consists three compressor stations and two lines with 48 inches (1,220 mm) diameter. In 2007, Italian contractor Saipem was awarded a contract two new compressor station and upgrading existing compressor stations allowing to increase the capacity of Tunisian section by 6.5 bcm.[1]
The royalties for the gas transport received by Tunisia are 5.25 — 6.75 percent value of the transported gas.
The 155 kilometres (96 mi) long 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). This section is operated by TMPC, a joint venture of Eni and Sonatrach. The offshore section is starting from El Haouaria, in the Cap Bon region to Mazara del Vallo in Sicily. The total length of Italian section is 1,400 kilometres (900 mi), which is operated by ENI's subsidiary Snam Rete Gas. The diameter of two lines varies between 42 inches (1,070 mm) and 48 inches (1,220 mm).
In 2000, the gas pipeline was named after Enrico Mattei.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Algeria Country Analysis Brief, by the Energy Information Administration
- International Pipelines across the Mediterranean, presentation by ENI
