Turkish Petroleum OTC has awarded a new offshore contract to Milan-based engineering services provider Saipem for the third phase of the Sakarya gas field development project in Turkey. The deal is valued at around US$1.5 billion.

Sakarya is the largest offshore natural gas field discovered in Turkey. It is located about 170 kilometres off the coast of Filyos in Zonguldak Province. The third phase of development entails a new dedicated floating production unit ( FPU ), fed by 27 wells located in the Sakarya and Amasra fields, connected by a new trunkline to the onshore facility located in Filyos, on the Turkish Black Sea coast.

Saipem’s scope of work encompasses the engineering, procurement, construction, and installation of eight rigid flowlines and a 24-inch diameter gas export pipeline approximately 183 kilometres long, connecting the offshore field, at a maximum depth of 2,200 metres, to Filyos.

The overall duration of the contract is approximately three years, while the offshore campaign will be conducted by Saipem's Castorone pipelay vessel in 2027.

Saipem has successfully completed the first phase of the Sakarya field development project awarded in 2021 and is finalizing activities related to the second phase awarded in 2023. With the signing of this new contract, the company further consolidates its presence in Turkey and its involvement in a strategic project that contributes to the country's energy independence.