Saipem 7000 has installed the second line of the $2.3 billion deepwater Blue Stream project, the gasline with capacity to carry 16 Bcm/yr of gas from Russia across the Black Sea to Turkey.
Pipelay vessel Saipem 7000 began installation activities on the second line in late February in the Russian part of the Black Sea. The first line was laid between October 2001 and February 2002 under an alliance between Eni and Gazprom.
The two 24-in. diameter, 385-km long pipelines were laid at a record water depth of 2,150 meters. Saipem's Castoro 8 will perform tie-in on the Turkish side in the next few weeks.
Hydrotest and pre-commissioning activities are scheduled to be complete by the end of September for the first line and by year end for the second line.
