Westbound gas pipeline project re-opens purchases

The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), a westbound natural gas pipeline project which isexpected to reduce Europe's dependence on Russian resources, has moved to re-launch its procurement process.The TAP announced the re-launching of purchases on its website Tuesday for theconstruction of the onshore and offshore pipeline, compressor stations and thepipeline receiving terminal along with contracts to procure steel pipes and largediameter pipeline valves."After reviewing its strategy and schedule, TAP decided to initiate new conditionsfor the provision of goods and services that the natural gas pipeline projectrequires," the statement said.TAP aims at enhancing the security of natural gas supply as well as diversificationof gas supplies for the European markets.In 2003 the pre-feasibility study for TAP was conducted and the pipeline developersplan to begin construction in early 2015 to be ready for the first gas fromAzerbaijan by 2019.