Romania begins Neptun Deep offshore pipeline works to connect Black Sea gas to the grid

Romania has officially kicked off work on a crucial part of its biggest offshore energy project, as OMV Petrom and Romgaz begin building the pipeline that will move Black Sea gas to the mainland. For investors and the domestic market, the start of installation marks a tangible step toward turning Neptun Deep from a development plan into physical infrastructure tied to national supply.

A 160-kilometer link from offshore fields to Tuzla

The new pipeline will cover approximately 160 kilometers, connecting offshore production facilities to an onshore station in Tuzla. At that location, gas will be measured and injected into Romania’s national transmission system. The line will be assembled from thousands of steel segments with a diameter of around 76 centimeters.

Execution pressure builds toward a 2027 start

OMV Petrom CEO Christina Verchere said the wider Neptun Deep development represents an investment of about €4 billion and is expected to deliver roughly 8 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually once operational. She also highlighted 2026 as a critical execution year, with multiple offshore and subsea components being installed in parallel as the partners target production start in 2027.

Offshore installation supported by specialized vessels

The installation phase will rely on large-scale offshore operations backed by a fleet of around 50 vessels. Specialized subsea construction ships will handle welding, testing, and laying pipeline sections on the seabed. The first vessel, Castoro 10, has already arrived and started initial works in the coastal area.

Microtunnel landfall aims to balance safety and environmental impact

The pipeline will reach land through a microtunnel in Tuzla, a method intended to reduce environmental impact while improving operational safety. Romgaz CEO Răzvan Popescu described the beginning of pipeline installation as a key milestone that underscores how the partnership can strengthen both national and regional energy security.

Neptun Deep extends beyond the pipeline

The Neptun Deep project includes more than just the pipeline. It comprises an offshore production platform, subsea systems, and a total of ten wells—some already drilled in the Pelican South field and others under development in the Domino area. An onshore control and metering station in Tuzla is set to complete an integrated production system for delivering gas into Romania’s transmission network.