OMV Petrom, the largest integrated energy producer in Southeast Europe, and SNGN ROMGAZ SA, the largest producer and main supplier of natural gas in Romania, announce the commencement of works on the offshore pipeline that will transport natural gas from offshore to the shore, marking a significant milestone in the Neptun Deep project.
”Neptun Deep is a strategic project for Romania and the region's energy security, with investments of approximately 4 billion euros and an estimated annual production of around 8 billion cubic meters of natural gas. In 2026, we will advance with major stages here in Romania: the installation of the offshore pipeline, subsea equipment, and the production platform. All activities are carried out to the highest safety and quality standards, with the goal of starting production in 2027.”," said Christina Verchere, CEO of OMV Petrom.
„The installation works planned for this year involve the mobilization of a fleet of approximately 50 vessels – up to 10 of these are involved in pipeline installation works. These are world-class vessels specialized in subsea installations, including some of the largest offshore units in the world. The integration of maritime, subsea, and onshore operations is essential to deliver the project safely and within an ambitious timeframe.” added Cristian Hubati, member of the OMV Petrom Directorate responsible for Exploration and Production.
„The commencement of main gas pipeline installation works represents the achievement of an essential objective in the development of the Neptun Deep project. The existing partnership demonstrates efficient cooperation for the delivery of such a complex project, playing a key role in energy security. The completion of the investment and the entry into commercial operation of the natural gas fields starting in 2027 will consolidate Romania's position, bringing an asset of energy resilience both nationally and regionally.” stated Răzvan Popescu, CEO of SNGN ROMGAZ SA.
The first vessel of the fleet required for the Neptun Deep project development has arrived in Romania: Castoro 10 will install the first section of the pipeline in the onshore area. The connection will be made through the microtunnel already built in Tuzla, a technology that increases the safety of the works and minimizes the environmental impact.
160 km Pipeline - Key Component of Offshore Infrastructure
The pipeline installation phase is an essential component of the project. The pipeline will be approximately 160 km long and will be made up of thousands of 30” (76 cm) diameter steel pipe segments.
The pipeline will transport natural gas from the offshore production platform to the shore, where it will be measured and fed into the National Transmission System.
The Neptun Deep infrastructure includes the offshore platform, 3 subsea systems, 10 production wells – 4 already drilled in Pelican Sud and 6 under way in Domino – and the onshore gas metering and control station in Tuzla.
Pipe-laying vessels operate as true miniature factories. Pipe joints are aligned, welded, tested, and coated onboard before being lowered in a continuous string onto the seabed. This system allows for stringent quality control at every stage and high efficiency even in offshore operating conditions.
The main vessels involved in installation activities:
- Beaver 10 - vessel for pipe laying and shore-zone works, with a length of over 160 meters
- Castorone – one of the largest and most powerful offshore pipe-laying vessels in the world, with a length of approximately 330 meters
- JSD 6000 – one of the most advanced deep-sea pipe-laying and heavy-lift offshore vessels currently in service. It will carry out the installation of subsea infrastructure in the deep-water area, ensuring the connection of wells to the production platform.
These vessels will be supported by supply vessels, tugboats, barges, and remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) units, ensuring the efficient and safe deployment of offshore operations.