Baku, January 17, AZERTAC“More than 70 percent of the construction of compressor stations of Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) in Greece and in Albania has been completed,” head of Communications at TAP Lisa Givert has told AZERTAC in an exclusive interview.“The construction of two compressor stations of TAP pipeline one in Kipoi, Greece and one in Fier, Albania, as part of the initial pipeline design (i.e., transporting 10bcm/a natural gas), is proceeding according to schedule. Overall progress at Fier in Albania is nearly 74 percent, while at Kipoi in Greece is 79 percent complete,” Givert said. “The piping fabrication at Kipoi is complete and over 90% of the piping is installed, with hydro strength testing progressing on schedule,” added Lisa Givert. The construction of the compressor and metering stations is a continuous activity over a period of approximately two years, after which pre-commissioning and commissioning checks will take place. These extensive checks, which will be conducted over a period of approximately six months, are required to ensure that the new facilities are functioning as per design and are safe and ready for the transport of gas.Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) will transport natural gas from the giant Shah Deniz 2 field in Azerbaijan via Greece, Albania to southern Italy and further to Europe. The 878 km long pipeline will connect with the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) at the Turkish-Greek border at Kipoi, cross Greece and Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Southern Italy.TAP’s routing can facilitate gas supply to several South Eastern European countries, including Bulgaria, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia and others. TAP’s landfall in Italy provides multiple opportunities for further transport of Caspian natural gas to some of the largest European markets such as Germany, France, the UK, Switzerland and Austria.TAP will promote economic development and job creation along the pipeline route; it will also be a major source of foreign direct investment. With first gas to Georgia and Turkey now being delivered, first deliveries to Europe will follow in 2020.TAP’s shareholding is comprised of BP (20%), SOCAR (20%), Snam (20%), Fluxys (19%), Enagás (16%) and Axpo (5%).