Neptun Deep advances as offshore pipeline installation begins in the Black Sea

Romania’s flagship offshore natural gas project, Neptun Deep, has reached a major milestone with the start of construction works on the offshore pipeline that will transport natural gas from the Black Sea to shore. Project partners OMV Petrom and Romgaz announced the launch of the pipeline installation phase, marking a significant step forward in the development of one of the largest energy projects currently underway in the European Union. With total investments estimated at around EUR 4 billion, Neptun Deep is expected to produce approximately 8 billion cubic metres of natural gas annually, strengthening Romania’s energy independence and contributing to regional energy security. The project is scheduled to begin commercial production in 2027.

Christina Verchere, Chief Executive Officer of OMV Petrom, described Neptun Deep as a strategic investment for both Romania and the wider region. She said 2026 will be a pivotal year for the project, with the installation of the offshore pipeline, subsea equipment and production platform all planned to take place. According to Verchere, all activities are being carried out in line with the highest safety and quality standards to ensure the project remains on schedule for first gas production in 2027.

Stretching approximately 160 kilometres, the offshore pipeline is a central element of the Neptun Deep infrastructure. Built from thousands of steel pipe segments measuring 30 inches in diameter, the pipeline will transport natural gas from the offshore production platform to the Tuzla gas metering and control station before it enters Romania’s National Transmission System. The broader Neptun Deep development includes an offshore production platform, three subsea systems and ten production wells. Four wells have already been drilled in the Pelican South field, while drilling operations continue on six wells in the Domino field.