Saipem Secures Offshore Contract for Neptun Deep Gas Project in the Black Sea

The Italian offshore contractor Saipem has recently clinched a substantial contract worth approximately €1.8 billion for the development of the Neptun Deep gas project in the Black Sea. This project, which marks Romania’s first deepwater endeavor and the largest natural gas project off the Romanian coast, is a collaborative effort between OMV Petrom and Romgaz with a combined investment of up to €4 billion.

Key Project Details

The scope of Saipem’s contract includes the engineering, procurement, construction, and installation of a gas processing platform at a depth of approximately 100 meters, three subsea developments in the Domino and Pelican fields, a 30″ gas pipeline spanning 160 kilometers, and associated fiber optic cable connectivity to the Romanian coast.

The gas processing platform will be fabricated at Saipem’s facilities in Italy and Indonesia, with offshore operations to be conducted using the Saipem 7000 and JSD 6000 vessels. Material testing and analysis will be performed locally in Romania through Saipem’s subsidiary in Ploiesti.

Nortrans Steps In

Singapore-based offshore and shipping company Nortrans has secured a contract to deploy its managed Temis MSU DP3 flotel to assist Saipem during the Neptun Deep project in the Black Sea. The 500-person accommodation vessel will play a pivotal role in supporting the hook-up, commissioning phase, and subsequent safe work procedures for the project.

While the initial contract duration is set at 160 days, an option for an additional 170 days has been included to ensure support during critical project phases. Nortrans views this assignment as a significant opportunity to contribute to one of the region’s most notable energy projects.

OMV Petrom’s Perspective

OMV Petrom, the integrated energy company overseeing the Neptune Deep project, expressed enthusiasm for the progress made. The construction of the Neptun Alpha platform, which includes a steel jacket weighing over 7,000 tons, is well underway and is a crucial component of the offshore infrastructure required for natural gas production.

The Neptun Alpha platform, scheduled for installation in 2026, will facilitate the production of natural gas from the Domino and Pelican South fields, contributing significantly to Romania’s energy security and economic prosperity.

Conclusion

With work progressing according to schedule, the Neptun Deep gas project is set to bolster Romania’s position in the energy sector. The collaboration between Saipem, Nortrans, and other key stakeholders underscores a commitment to operational excellence and the successful execution of complex offshore initiatives in the Black Sea region.