**Saipem Initiates Steel Jacket Construction for Neptun Deep Project in Sardinia**
On October 2, 2024, Saipem marked a significant milestone in the Neptun Deep project by starting the construction of the steel jacket for the Neptun Alpha gas platform. This development is part of an extensive initiative to enhance Romania’s energy security through the Neptun Deep natural gas project.
Operated by OMV Petrom in partnership with Romgaz, the Neptun Deep project is a testament to international collaboration and strategic investment in the energy sector. The project’s completion is expected to contribute significantly to Romania’s energy landscape, with estimated gas production reaching approximately 100 billion cubic meters. This volume is equivalent to nearly 30 times the current annual demand in households, underscoring the project’s pivotal role in meeting future energy needs.
### Key Project Components
– **Neptun Alpha Platform**: The steel jacket, currently under construction at Saipem’s yard in Arbatax, Sardinia, will serve as the base structure for the Neptun Alpha gas platform. The jacket, measuring approximately 140 meters in height and 40 square meters in base area, will weigh over 7,000 tons. Once installed, it will be topped with the platform topsides, which are currently being fabricated at Saipem’s yard in Karimun, Indonesia.
– **Infrastructure Development**: The Neptun Deep project involves the installation of a gas processing platform at around 100 meters water depth, as well as three subsea developments. These will include subsea production systems and pipelines connecting the offshore fields to the Tuzla natural gas metering station onshore. The main gas pipeline, extending approximately 160 kilometers, will also be part of this infrastructure.
### Strategic Importance for Saipem
This project underscores Saipem’s leading role in the engineering and construction of major projects in the energy sector. With a global presence spanning over 50 countries and employing about 30,000 individuals from over 120 nationalities, Saipem is committed to supporting clients in their transition towards a more sustainable future. The company’s ability to execute complex projects involving both international contractors and local entities underlines its strategic value in the offshore and onshore sectors.
### Conclusion
The construction of the steel jacket for the Neptun Alpha gas platform is a crucial milestone in the