Bulgartransgaz has started the selection of companies for the implementation of the key Vertical Gas Corridor

George Velev

The state-owned "Bulgartransgaz" begins the main part of the work on expanding the transmission capacity of its network along the South-North axis. The gas transmission operator announced the companies that have offered bids for participation in the procedure for expanding the capacity of our gas transmission system. Participants in the procedure are the Bulgarian "Glavbolgarstroy", as well as a constellation of globally known companies such as HILL International, Honeywell, Emerson and CRC Evans. They participate in the order through the association DZZD "HILL INTERNATIONAL - GBS".

We remind you that Bulgartransgaz announced a month ago a public order for the expansion of the gas transmission network in three places in our country. All three sites are key to increasing the natural gas transmission capacity, including the modernization and improvement of the Kulata/Sidirokastro interconnections in the direction from Greece to Bulgaria and Negru Voda/Cardamom in the direction from Bulgaria to Romania. The expansion of the gas transmission infrastructure of "Bulgartransgaz" will in practice also allow the improvement of supply security by transferring additional quantities of natural gas from the south to the north. The procedure itself was announced a month ago by Bulgartransgaz and is worth nearly BGN 600 million.

By building new transmission capabilities of the Bulgarian gas transmission network, the process of creating a completely new project for Europe, connecting gas transmission operators from the Mediterranean to the Baltic Sea, has practically started. Such a project will also help to improve the energy security of Moldova and Ukraine, as well as to create new opportunities for the transfer of blue fuel. The Vertical Gas Corridor initiative belongs to the gas transmission operators of Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine and Moldova and is supported by the EU.

What does the project include in our country?

The first allocated position is for the "Looping from the Tower to Kresna" site, which will be realized in three stages, implemented simultaneously. It is about the construction of a main gas pipeline, a station for cleaning the gas pipeline "Kulata" and a station for cleaning the gas pipeline "Kresna" The project includes the construction of a high-pressure gas pipeline with a diameter of DN 700 and a length of about 48 km, as well as the accompanying technological facilities.

The second position is for the construction of a transmission gas pipeline from Piperevo to Pernik, which will be implemented in three stages. They will be implemented at the same time as a new pipe, a gas pipeline purification station "Piperevo 2" and AGRS "Radomir" will be built again. The project includes the construction of a high-pressure gas pipeline with a diameter of DN 500 and a length of about 53 km, AGRS "Radomir" and a gas pipeline diversion to it, as well as the accompanying technological facilities.

The third part of the "Bulgartransgaz" project is for the "Looping from Rupcha to Vetrino" with two stages also implemented simultaneously. There will also be built a linear part and a station for cleaning the gas pipeline "Vetrino". The project includes the construction of a high-pressure gas pipeline with a diameter of DN 1200 and a length of about 61 km and the accompanying technological facilities.

The ultimate goal is to increase the current input capacity of the Kulata-Sidirokastro connection from 6.5 million cubic meters per day to 10 million cubic meters. On an annual basis, this means the transfer of up to 3.5 billion cubic meters. For Kardam-Negro water the idea is to double the capacity to 28.5 million cubic meters per day or 10 billion cubic meters per year. The difference in capacity comes from the two entry points that are currently operating in our country. At the exit to Romania, the quantities of gas coming through the IGB gas pipeline connecting Komotini and Stara Zagora are also included.

Companies with extensive experience participate in the procedure

The Bulgarian "Glavbolgarstroy" will partner side by side with companies proven over the years, with extensive experience in the construction of gas transmission infrastructure. With over 100 offices in 42 countries worldwide, HILL International is the fourth largest project and construction management company in the US in 2023. From 1976 to the present, its employees have engaged in more than 90,000 projects with a total construction value of more than 1 trillion. dollar. The company provides a huge range of services in the management of specialized programs, projects and in the construction of large energy, infrastructure, transport, etc. projects worldwide. HILL is familiar with the projects in the region, having worked on the construction of the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), as well as the modernization of the Capitol Power Plant (Washington) and the Red Lion Energy Center near Delaware. HILL International is part of the large family of Global Infrastructure Solutions, Inc., which unites leading global companies in three main areas: "Construction Services", "Engineering and Consulting" and "Global Sustainability and Impact".

A recognized technology leader, Honeywell has a solid track record in building technology, high-quality process equipment, materials and solutions for safety and productivity. The company has nearly 110,000 employees worldwide, and as of 2022, Honeywell is the fourth largest conglomerate in the world with an estimated market value of over US$130 billion.

The other engineering company that will work on the project is Emerson. It is a leading global technology, software and engineering company providing innovative solutions in the energy sector as well. The company operates in various sectors including industrial automation, process control, climate technology and commercial and residential solutions. Emerson provides a wide range of products and services, including automation systems, valves, actuators, control systems, measuring instruments, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment and tools. The company has an indisputable track record in introducing innovative technologies and solutions to improve efficiency, productivity and sustainability in various industries, necessary for the construction of a complex project such as the Vertical Gas Corridor.

CRC Evans are closely profiled in the provision of welding, coating, equipment, technology and integrated solutions for linear power infrastructure. With 3.6 million pipeline coatings completed, almost 180,000 welds, and involvement with equipment, services and technology in the implementation of over 112,654 km of pipelines, CRC Evans is the number 1 market share globally in its field.

The company has an unprecedented 90 years of experience in the industry and a number of completed strategic projects around the world such as the SaryArka gas pipeline in Kazakhstan, the famous TANAP project supplying gas from Turkey to Greece and from there to Europe, which passes through different geographical areas and many obstacles. The company also participates in a number of projects for the construction of systems and ports for liquefied natural gas.

In addition to specialists, trainers and know-how, CRC Evans also provides the necessary high-tech equipment, ensuring the fast and reliable implementation of energy facilities in a state-of-the-art manner. The company provides the most current solutions in the sector with a team of design and manufacturing specialists who work on innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence and analytics, assisted defect recognition (ADR) and digital solutions based on digital data.

"Petrich" compressor station.

Two more associations have submitted bids for participation in the Bulgartransgaz procedure. These are the DZZD "GAS INSTALLATION 2024", with participants "Romhos Gvyazdovce" Ltd. from Poland and the Bulgarian "Klimatronic" Ltd. and "Bulstroy - montages" Ltd. The third association is DZZD "NEGRU VODA KARDAM 2024", with participants "Divicom" INC. from the USA, the Romanian "Habau" S.R.L. and the Bulgarian SAIE EOOD.

The financing of the activities within the scope of the order will be carried out in accordance with the decisions under item 2 and item 3 of the National Assembly adopted on March 14, 2024, according to Bulgartransgaz.