September 07, 2008

New pipeline to transport Iraqi gas via Turkey

Zaman reported that Turkish pipeline company BOTAS has launched feasibility studies for the Turkish segment of the planned Iraq to Turkey natural gas pipeline, to be built parallel to the existing Kirkuk to Yumurtalık oil pipeline.

As per report, BOTAŞ will complete the segment of pipeline that crosses through Turkey's territory along a Silopi Bismil Şırnak Diyarbakır Yumurtalık line. The project aims to transfer 10 billion cubic meters of Iraqi natural gas annually to the Turkish and world markets.

According to a MoU signed on August 17th 2007 between the Turkish and Iraqi energy ministers, the project management will be carried out by the Iraqi oil ministry and the BOTAŞ Turkish Petroleum Corporation joint initiative. The project will be completed by private contractor Tekfen, TPAO and BOTAŞ according to projections as to developments in Iraq and the energy need in European markets.

The project is an integrated one covering the exploration, extraction, processing and transportation of natural gas in Iraq's northeast. Around 10 billion cubic meters of natural gas will be extracted from five different fields and then transported to world markets through Turkey. The construction tender will be held by BOTAŞ, as was the case with previous projects, and the tender will be open to international bidders. The pipeline will be 30 to 40 inches wide and will include many pump stations, proportional to the amount of gas the line is to carry.

Mr Hilmi Güler energy & natural resources minister of Turkey previously said that talks regarding the Iraq Turkey natural gas pipeline were on track and that the estimated 280 billion cubic meters of natural gas in Iraqi reserves would be exported to European markets via Turkey.