On Sunday 22 July, nearshore works started for the TurkStream Offshore Gas Pipeline near the Turkish town of Kiyiköy.
The nearshore component in Turkey involves constructing seabed trenches for around 2.4 kilometers length from the shoreline into the sea in order to bury the pipes for protection against wave action and avoidance of fishing interaction. The process of offshore trenching is expected to last 4 to 8 weeks.
Independent third party experts prepared an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to determine the best route for the pipeline and potential impacts related to the works. These studies demonstrate that the nearshore work will have small, temporary and localized effects for the local fishing industry. After a thorough consultation process with various Turkish stakeholders, including local community representatives and fishing groups, the Turkish Ministry of Environment and Urbanization approved the EIA in September 2017.
“We are pleased to be in line with our construction schedule to ensure that gas deliveries start by the end of 2019. We will try and make sure to minimize and mitigate the disturbance to the local residents during the nearshore works,” Sander van Rootselaar, TurkStream spokesperson, said.
TurkStream project company is engaging with local fishermen over a voluntary compensation scheme for potential loss of income during the period of nearshore works within the framework of its commitment to remedy any local impacts to be experienced. The compensation scheme is part of TurkStream’s corporate responsibility and good neighbourhood policy, in combination with a series of other measures intended to support the wellbeing of the local economy and people of Kiyikoy.
In parallel, Pioneering Spirit is progressing in fast pace since the offshore construction of the second line resumed on 26 June. The landfall facilities on the Russian side of the Black Sea, near the city of Anapa, is in the final stages of construction and will be completed in 2018.
