South Stream can be laid via Crimea

Under the preliminary news, Gazprom has started elaboration of the alternative route for South Stream's construction. The pipeline can be partially laid via Crimea in connection with depth of the Black Sea in the areas of the pipeline construction under the current project. The construction of the pipeline in Crimea will enable the company to avoid expensive work for laying of the pipeline branches at depth of up to 1.3 km. The depth does not exceed 130 m at the other divisions, that’s why partial laying of South Stream via the Crimea Peninsula will cheapen the project. However the first branch of the pipeline will be constructed on the former route because the Dutch Saipem , the contractor has closed the firm contract for construction of the first branch of South Stream. Saipem  will also build the technological objects in the sites of entrance of the pipeline to the coast.