At a press conference held by the Shah Deniz Consortium (SDC) in Baku, Azerbaijan, the SDC confirmed that the Trans Adriatic Pipeline has been selected to transport Shah Deniz II gas to Europe.

Kjetil Tungland, Managing Director at TAP, said: “I am very pleased that the selection to transport Shah Deniz II gas to Europe has been made in favour of the TAP pipeline. This is the first and important step in opening up the Southern Gas Corridor and, as we look ahead, the Southern Gas Corridor will have a major role to play in Europe’s energy security and ensuring the diversification of gas supplies to Western and South Eastern European markets.”

“I am deeply impressed with the results TAP has achieved and immensely proud of having been part of the team for the last three years. Over the next few months, we will continue to work hard with the SDC to ensure that they are able to take a successful final investment decision later this year. Finally, I would like to conclude by taking this opportunity to sincerely thank all those who have supported TAP over the past number of years in enabling this historic and geo-strategic project to be selected and to commend the Shah Deniz Consortium for carrying out a fair and transparent selection process.”

The selection of TAP by SDC confirms that TAP is the economically and technically most advanced pipeline project for the transportation of Shah Deniz gas to Europe. The past and continuing support of the European Commission and the various national governments underpins the importance of TAP for the European energy agenda.

Press Release, June 28, 2013; Image: TAP