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The pipeline platform CASTRO XI crossed the Bosphorus on Wednesday en route to Romania, where it is expected to take part in natural gas pipeline installation operations.
The Bahamas-flagged platform, measuring 149 meters in length and 15,378 gross tons, passed through the strategic waterway while being towed by the Liberia-flagged offshore vessel PACIFIC DUSHESS.
Turkish maritime authorities escorted the convoy through the Bosphorus, while vessel traffic was regulated during the transit.
CASTRO XI's arrival comes as Romania pushes ahead with large-scale offshore energy projects in the Black Sea. The country recently launched a major phase of construction on the Neptun Deep project, its largest offshore natural gas development.
The project is being developed by OMV Petrom and Romgaz and is expected to begin production in 2027. Recoverable reserves are estimated at around 100 billion cubic meters of natural gas.
The development includes a 160-kilometer offshore pipeline that will transport gas from production facilities in the Black Sea to the Romanian coast near Tuzla before feeding it into the national transmission network.
Project operators have mobilized a large offshore fleet for the construction campaign. Around 50 vessels are expected to participate in various stages of the work, including pipeline installation, subsea infrastructure deployment and production platform installation. Up to 10 vessels are directly involved in laying pipeline sections.
Romanian officials describe Neptun Deep as a strategic investment worth around €4 billion ($4.5 billion) that could significantly reshape the country's energy sector. Once production begins, the project is expected to nearly double Romania's natural gas output and potentially turn the country into a net gas exporter.
The project has also gained broader significance as European countries seek additional energy sources and aim to reduce reliance on Russian gas supplies, with authorities repeatedly highlighting its role in strengthening regional energy security.
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