The Neptun Deep project achieved a new milestone after the installation of the Neptun Alpha offshore production platform in the Black Sea, an operation developed by OMV Petrom and SNGN ROMGAZ SA as part of Romania’s largest natural gas exploitation project. The initiative maintains its timeline and expects to start commercial production in 2027 with the aim of strengthening the country’s energy security and reducing dependence on gas imports.
Installed in waters approximately 120 meters deep, the Neptun Alpha platform weighs 16,500 tons and exceeds 225 meters in height. The support structure was manufactured by Saipem in Arbatax, Italy, while the topside was built in Karimun, Indonesia. The installation was carried out using the Saipem 7000, one of the world’s largest semi-submersible crane vessels, specialized in heavy offshore lifting operations.
Christina Verchere, CEO of OMV Petrom, noted that the platform’s installation represents one of the most relevant phases of the project and demonstrates the sustained progress of the works. She mentioned that six of the ten planned development wells have already been completed, and the installation of the 160-kilometer subsea gas pipeline connecting the offshore infrastructure to the Romanian coast has also been finalized.
Where is the Neptun Deep project located?
The Neptun Deep project is being developed in the Romanian sector of the Black Sea, approximately 160 kilometers off the coast of Tuzla (Romania). The exploitation comprises the Domino and Pelican South fields, located in deep waters of approximately 120 meters, where OMV Petrom and SNGN ROMGAZ are developing the necessary infrastructure to start commercial natural gas production in 2027.
Subsea infrastructure enters a new phase
The development of Neptun Deep now continues with the installation of subsea pipelines and umbilicals that will link the production systems of the Domino and Pelican South fields to the platform. Subsequently, the necessary operational tests will be carried out to ensure the start of production during 2027. The complex installation maneuver required fixing the structure to the seabed by driving eight piles, each with a diameter exceeding two meters. The platform has been designed to operate fully automated and be controlled remotely, so it will not normally have permanent personnel on board.
Cristian Hubati, member of the OMV Petrom Executive Board responsible for Exploration and Production, explained that the company is building a specific support vessel for operation and maintenance tasks, with capacity to accommodate up to 90 people when interventions on the facilities are necessary. He added that safety remains the priority throughout the execution phase to ensure a reliable energy supply for Romania and the region.
A strategic project for Romania’s energy supply
For his part, Răzvan Popescu, General Director of S.N.GN. ROMGAZ S.A. , stated that the installation of the Neptun Alpha platform constitutes a decisive step within the project and follows the completion of the main subsea pipeline. The executive indicated that work continues with the construction of the subsea infrastructure, the completion of the production wells, and the preparation for commissioning planned for 2027.
Aristotel Jude, Deputy General Director of ROMGAZ, highlighted that Neptun Deep has required the mobilization of one of the largest international marine construction fleets employed to date in Romania and the European Union. As he explained, the project integrates engineering, manufacturing, transport, and marine installation activities developed by specialized companies from different countries.
The complete Neptun Deep infrastructure includes 10 production wells, three subsea systems, collector pipelines, the Neptun Alpha platform, a gas pipeline to Tuzla, and an onshore gas metering station. With the platform already installed and the main pipeline completed, the project enters a phase focused on completing the production and storage infrastructure before the start of commercial operations in 2027.
Source: OMV
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