The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is one of the most significant energy infrastructure projects in Europe, designed to transport natural gas from the Caspian region to European markets. NAMA played a critical role in the technical realization of Section II in Eastern Greece, a 100km corridor stretching from Koptero in Rodopi to Symvoli in Serres.
Entrusted with the comprehensive geotechnical investigations and studies, NAMA addressed the complex geological challenges of the northern Greek terrain. The project demanded extreme technical precision and logistical efficiency to ensure the integrity of the pipeline across diverse and demanding landscapes.
High-Intensity Geotechnical Investigation and Analysis
The scale of the project required a massive mobilization of resources to meet an exceptionally tight two-month window for both field and laboratory work:
- Intensive Subsurface Exploration: Execution of 99 rotary sampling boreholes and 80 auger boreholes, totaling 1,810 meters of drilling.
- Advanced Field Testing: Implementation of in-situ testing, including Standard Penetration Tests (SPT) and MAAG packer testing, to determine the mechanical properties of the soil and rock mass.
- Large-Scale Laboratory Analysis: NAMALAB SA conducted approximately 3,650 soil and rock mechanics tests, providing the data-driven foundation for the final engineering design.
- Targeted Evaluation: The project corridor was divided into 51 distinct sectors, with specialized focus on critical crossings and high-risk geographical areas.
Engineering Solutions for Complex Terrain Challenges
NAMA’s geotechnical expertise was instrumental in solving sophisticated engineering problems at the preliminary design stage:
- Advanced River Crossings: Technical feasibility studies for the Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) method at the Nestos River crossing.
- Challenging Foundations: Specialized analysis for pipeline construction through areas with muddy bottoms and high moisture content.
- Seismic and Geohazard Mitigation: Comprehensive assessment of seismicity, liquefaction potential, and soil swelling characteristics to ensure the pipeline's long-term structural resilience.
A Benchmark in Fast-Track Project Delivery
The successful completion of the TAP Section II studies underscores NAMA’s ability to deliver high-volume, high-accuracy geotechnical engineering under demanding time constraints. By identifying and mitigating geohazards early in the process, we provided the scientific certainty required for one of the world’s most critical energy links.
For NAMA, the TAP project is a testament to our capacity for large-scale geotechnical management and our role in supporting infrastructure that strengthens global energy security.
