The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), which is slated to begin construction in 2016, has entered the procurement phase after a re-launch of the process in April 2014 that included the initiation of new pre-qualifications for goods and services.

A phased approach will be used to procure goods and services, dependent on the progress of the project and its alignment with the Shah Deniz 2 upstream development schedule. This two-step process includes a selection phase and a contract award phase.

"TAP's schedule is in full alignment with the upstream developments," Trans Adriatic Pipeline AG, builder of the project, said in a recent report.

The consortium of Azerbaijani Shah Deniz field development chose the TAP project as the transportation route to the European markets. TAP will connect with the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) near the Turkish-Greek border at Kipoi, cross Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea, and come ashore in southern Italy.