Turkish Stream's nearshore works start in Kiyikoy

Nearshore trench works for the Turkish Stream natural gas pipeline project started on July 22 near the Turkish town of Kiyikoy, the South Stream Transport B.V Company that is conducting the offshore pipeline said.

According to the official announcement, Turkey's nearshore component involves constructing seabed trenches of around 2.4 kilometers in length from the shoreline to the sea in order to embed the pipes as a protection against sea waves and to avoid interference with fishing in the area.

The offshore trenching process is expected to last 4-8 weeks.

The company noted that independent third party experts prepared an environmental impact assessment (EIA) to determine the best route for the pipeline, taking into account potential environmental impacts and other risks.

"These studies demonstrate that the nearshore work will have small, temporary and localized effects for the local fishing industry. After a thorough consultation process with various Turkish stakeholders, including local community representatives and fishing groups, the Turkish Ministry of Environment and Urbanization approved the EIA in September 2017," the company said.

"We are pleased to be in line with our construction schedule to ensure that gas deliveries start by the end of 2019. We will try and make sure to minimize and mitigate the disturbance to the local residents during the nearshore works," Sander van Rootselaar, the Turkish Stream spokesperson added in a written statement.

According to the announcement, the Turkish Stream project company is engaging with local fishermen over a voluntary compensation scheme for potential loss of income during the period of nearshore works within the framework of its commitment to remedy any local impacts, Anadolu agency reported.

"The compensation scheme is part of Turkish Stream’s corporate responsibility and good neighborhood policy, in combination with a series of other measures intended to support the wellbeing of the local economy and people of Kiyikoy," the company explained.