Turkey Completes ¾ of Baku-Ceyhan Project

BTC Company Ceyhan Terminal Field Manager Murat Kalkanli disclosed that in the project being carried out under the general coordination of British Petroleum (BP) and state owned pipeline monopoly Turkey Pipeline Inc. (BOTAS), three quarters of Turkish leg of the project was completed between June 5, 2003 and July 1, 2004.

"325 km of the welded pipes were put in the channel and 299 km of the pipes have been filled," explained Kalkanli. "Construction activities have also begun in the line valves."

Kalkanli indicated that the construction of pump and pipe buildings continues and that the manufacturing of front pipes in the scope of mechanical services has also started. Kalkanli further explained that construction of storage tanks in Ceyhan Terminal, as well as other building activities, are proceeding according to schedule.

The pipeline is scheduled to become operative on May 10, 2005. The BTC pipeline will provide an annual income of $300 million to Turkey.