Saipem’s Castorone Vessel Embarks on Offshore Pipeline Installation in the Black Sea
The renowned pipelay vessel Castorone, operated by Saipem, is en route to the Black Sea to undertake offshore pipeline installation for the second phase of Türkiye’s largest natural gas field project.
As it makes its way to the Sakarya project site, Castorone recently navigated through the Dardanelles and Bosphorus Straits, covering significant distances swiftly and efficiently.
Project Details
Saipem, as part of a consortium, secured the contract for the second phase of the Sakarya FEED and EPCI project from Turkish Petroleum – Offshore Technology Center (TP – OTC). The scope includes the engineering, procurement, construction, and installation of a 158-kilometer-long 16-inch pipeline and a 21-kilometer 16-inch intrafield pipeline in the Turkish waters of the Black Sea.
In 2022, the company successfully completed the first phase of the Sakarya pipeline development project, which involved laying a deepwater pipeline.
Significance of Sakarya Gas Field
Located approximately 150 kilometers off the coast of Ereğli, the Sakarya gas field is Türkiye’s largest natural gas discovery. In anticipation of increased gas production, Türkiye recently welcomed its first floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel, set to enhance gas production from the field upon commencement of operations in 2026.
Castorone Vessel Specifications
Castorone, a vessel measuring 330 meters in length and 40 meters in width, boasts impressive capabilities for pipeline installation. Equipped with advanced technology, including a Class 3 dynamic positioning system, adjustable stinger, and high tensioning capacity, the vessel can handle pipelines up to 60 inches in diameter.
Featuring state-of-the-art welding equipment and two remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) developed by Saipem’s robotics center, Castorone has a proven track record of successful pipeline installations, including record-breaking depths achieved during the Sakarya project.
With a history of laying approximately 3,500 kilometers of pipelines, Castorone continues to demonstrate its expertise in offshore pipeline installation projects.