The support structure for the Neptun Deep gas project has begun its journey from the Saipem shipyard in Arbatax, Sardinia, following the completion of loading operations. The departure of this massive structure marks a new stage for the largest offshore natural gas development currently under construction within the European Union.
Developed jointly by OMV Petrom and Romgaz, the project envisions an estimated investment of up to 4 billion euros and seeks to promote natural gas production in the Romanian Black Sea to strengthen regional energy security.
One of the largest structures built in Arbatax
The foundation, transported from Italy, weighs approximately 7,500 tons and is among the largest structures ever built at the Sardinian shipyard. The structure reaches a height of about 135 meters and has a base measuring approximately 50 meters on each side.
During the construction phase, the structure was assembled horizontally and will be transported in that configuration. It will then arrive in the Black Sea where a complex marine installation operation will begin.
The Saipem 7000 will carry out the offshore installation
Once at its destination, the Saipem 7000 crane vessel will lift the structure into a vertical position. It will then be installed on the seabed and secured with eight steel piles, each 2.5 meters in diameter.
These maneuvers are part of one of the most ambitious offshore developments currently underway in Europe due to the operational depths and the volume of infrastructure required.
A large-scale project for the Black Sea
Saipem was awarded the project in August 2023 to carry out engineering, procurement, construction and installation work for the future gas production platform.
The support structure manufactured in Sardinia will serve as the base for the platform’s superstructure, which is being built at the Karimun shipyard in Indonesia. Both facilities will form the main production complex planned for Neptun Deep.
Likewise, the contract includes underwater activities associated with the Domino and Pelican fields, located at approximate depths of 1,000 and 125 meters respectively.
Underwater infrastructure to connect the deposit to the coast
The scope of the project also includes the installation of an approximately 160-kilometer-long, 30-inch-diameter underwater gas pipeline along with a fiber optic cable that will link the offshore platform to the Romanian coast.
The works also include the construction of microtunnels to facilitate the land docking of transport and communications infrastructure associated with gas development.
Contribution to European energy security
The Neptun Deep project is considered strategic for diversifying the European Union’s energy supply sources. Future natural gas production from the Black Sea could help reduce dependence on external imports and strengthen the stability of the regional energy market.
Furthermore, the project highlights Saipem’s technical capacity to execute complex offshore developments that combine the manufacture of large structures, underwater installation, and the construction of long-range energy infrastructure.
Source and photo: Saipem
