The construction of the offshore part of the pipeline Turkish Stream will begin in the second half of 2017. Both lines will be commenced before the end of 2019, the Chairman of Gazprom’s Board Alexei Miller said, RIA Novosti reported.
“Today we say with confidence that in the second half 2017 will start the construction of the offshore section of Turkish Stream, and both lines will be put into operation before the end of 2019,” he said.
Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said earlier that the laying of the pipeline will begin in 2017 and the term of completion of construction of both maritime and land segments is planned for late 2019.
Russia and Turkey on October 10 signed an intergovernmental agreement on the project Turkish Stream. The document envisages the construction of two lines of the gas pipeline under the Black Sea, with the power of 15.75 bcm each. One line is provided to supply gas directly to the Turkish market, and the other – to supply gas on transit through Turkey to Europe. The agreement also defines the deadline by which two offshore lines have to be built as of December 2019.