After both the jacket and the topsides were manufactured by Saipem at its shipyards in Arbatax (Italy) and Karimun (Indonesia), respectively, the Neptun Alpha offshore production platform was installed at the Neptun Deep project using the Saipem 7000, described as the third-largest semi-submersible crane vessel in the world.
Christina Verchere, CEO of OMV Petrom, commented: “Neptun Deep is a strategic project for Romania that will contribute to the country’s energy security and reduce dependence on imports. The installation of the production platform in the Black Sea represents one of the most important stages of the project and confirms its steady progress. In addition 6 of the 10 development wells and the installation of the 160 km pipeline connecting to the shore have been completed.
“Project development continues with the installation of interfield subsea pipelines and umblilicals to connect all the offshore elements, to be followed by rigorous testing to prepare for the start of production on plan for 2027.”
The crane vessel employs advanced offshore lifting and positioning technology. Located in waters approximately 120 meters deep, the platform, which weighs 16,500 tons and has a total height of over 225 meters, will ensure the natural gas processing and its transfer to the transport infrastructure that will bring it to shore.The Neptune Deep gas project is being developed jointly by OMV Petrom, a Romania-headquartered affiliate of Austria’s OMV, together with its partner, Romgaz. The total investment is estimated at €4 billion.
Cristian Hubati, Member of the OMV Petrom Executive Board responsible for Exploration and Production, underlined: “Installing offshore structures weighing approximately 16,500 metric tons, equivalent of approximately two Eiffel Towers, is a highly complex and precise operation. The support structure was anchored to the seabed by driving eight piles, each with a diameter of over two meters.
“The platform topsides is fully automated and can be operated remotely. Because the facility is normally unmanned, we are also building a support vessel dedicated to operation and maintenance activities, which can accommodate up to 90 people. We are progressing at full speed in the execution phase, with safety as our top priority, to ensure reliable energy for Romania and energy security for our region.
OMV Petrom claims that this marks one of the most important milestones in the development of Romania’s largest natural gas project, which is on schedule for the start of production in 2027 to contribute to strengthening the energy security of the European country and the region.