Gazprom established a branch of the South Stream Transport B.V. in Istanbul to implement the TurkStream gas pipeline project, Gazprom's CEO Alexey Miller said on Wednesday.
Miller told Anadolu Agency that the TurkStream project is progressing in line with its timetable and its construction is ongoing.
He said that the office was opened in Istanbul to ensure effective coordination with Turkey in the project.
"This is a very important decision and through this, all conditions for the construction of the sea part were achieved in the project," he said.
Miller noted that the pipeline route's environmental impact assessment has been concluded while hydrographic exploration is taking place in Turkish waters.
He stressed that Gazprom will begin the offshore laying of the TurkStream in the second half of 2017 and has plans to complete the construction of the two lines of the pipeline by the end of 2019.
The TurkStream natural gas pipeline project agreement between Turkey and Russia was signed on Oct. 10, 2016 and was ratified by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Feb. 7.
The project, which was announced by Putin during a 2014 visit to Turkey, is set to carry gas from Russia under the Black Sea to Turkey's Thrace region.
One line, with 15.75 billion cubic meters of capacity, is expected to supply the Turkish market, while a second line will carry gas to Europe.
(Anadolu Agency)
