Neptun Deep is progressing on schedule with first natural gas deliveries in 2027
OMV Petrom, the largest integrated energy producer in Southeast Europe, the operator of the Neptun Deep project, announces that Transocean Barents, the mobile semi-submersible offshore drilling unit contracted for Neptun Deep, has arrived in Constanța.
“The arrival of the platform marks a crucial moment in our effort to develop the first gas project in the deep water area in Romania, together with our partner Romgaz. Neptun Deep is a strategic project for Romania and the EU. It will contribute to the country’s energy independence and economic growth. We are focused on completing the project safely and efficiently as we move towards the first gas deliveries,” said Christina Verchere, CEO of OMV Petrom.
Transocean Barents arrived safely in Constanța after an 18-day voyage: it left Cartagena, Spain, at the end of October and passed under the Bosphorus Bridges, which required the lowering of the tower, a world first for Transocean and this platform type.
Prior to her departure from Cartagena, Transocean Barents underwent major structural modifications to enable the turret folding operation. In total, it took about 750,000 man hours and 8 months to prepare the Transocean Barents for the voyage to the Black Sea.
Cristian Hubati, member of the OMV Petrom Directorate, responsible for the Exploration and Production activity: “The platform went through a complex preparation process. Essentially, the spire weighing around 220 tonnes was folded down on the deck to allow passage under the Bosphorus Bridges. The crew will now perform the reverse operation and prepare the rig for drilling so that in 2025 we can safely begin operations.”
The Neptun Deep project is being developed by OMV Petrom and Romgaz (through its subsidiary Romgaz Black Sea Limited), each company having a 50% stake in the project. The investments required for the development phase total up to 4 billion euros. Total production is estimated at around 100 billion cubic meters of natural gas. The first gas deliveries are expected in 2027.
Following the investment decision of June 2023, execution agreements were signed with large international companies: the Transocean Barrents drilling rig was contracted for a minimum period of one and a half years, with integrated drilling services to be provided by Halliburton Romania.
The infrastructure required for the development of the Domino and Pelican Sud commercial fields includes 10 wells, 3 subsea production systems and the associated gathering pipeline network, an offshore platform, the main gas pipeline to Tuzla and the gas measurement station. The platform generates its own energy, operating to the highest standards of safety and environmental protection.
After arriving in Romania, the marine drilling rig will go through preparatory works such as raising the derrick and installing the drilling equipment for the upcoming mission: drilling the production wells of the Neptun Deep project.