Azernews.Az

The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) launched a new visual identity and website signifying the next phase of the project's development, as preparations continue to build the 870km pipeline.

TAP will be an important element of the Southern Gas Corridor, strategic gas value chain, which will transport natural gas from Azerbaijan to European markets.

TAP's new visual identity comprises of a bright new logo and a newly launched website. This will provide local communities in the pipeline's transit countries of Greece, Italy, and Albania with detailed, up-to-date and relevant information about the project.

Topics covered in the new website include the land easement and acquisition process, position on procurement, and the benefits that TAP could bring. The website also aims to be a useful public resource for TAP's many international stakeholders.

TAP continues to make progress in preparing for construction of the pipeline, which is due to begin in 2016, with the building of access roads and bridges in Albania scheduled to commence in 2015.

Michael Hoffmann, Director of External Affairs for TAP, commented: "As we enter the next exciting stage in our development, it is important that TAP has a consistent brand image that is clearly recognisable to all our stakeholders and properly represents this dynamic and forward-looking project. The new website aims to be a trusted and reliable resource for our many local, national and international stakeholders, giving them accurate and timely information about all aspects of TAP."

TAP will transport natural gas from the giant Shah Deniz II field in Azerbaijan to Europe. The approximately 870 km long pipeline will connect with the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) near the Turkish-Greek border at Kipoi, cross Greece and Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Southern Italy.

TAP will promote the economic development and job creation along the pipeline route; it will be a source of foreign direct investment and it is not dependent on grants or subsidies. With first gas sales to Georgia and Turkey targeted for late 2018, first deliveries to Europe will follow approximately a year later.

TAP's shareholding is comprised of BP (20%), SOCAR (20%), Statoil (20%), Fluxys (16%), Total (10%), E.ON (9%) and Axpo (5%).