Romania announces a more precise date for the start of gas production in the Black Sea

OMV Petrom and Romanian state-owned Romgaz have specified the launch dates for one of the European Union's largest gas projects — Neptun Deep in the Black Sea. First gas is planned to be delivered to Romania's gas transmission system in the first half of 2027.

This was reported by OMV Petrom. Previously, the operator only mentioned 2027 without specifying an exact launch period.

After the first gas arrives, production will be gradually ramped up while equipment testing takes place. The companies expect to reach maximum production levels by the end of the third quarter of 2027.

At this stage, Neptun Deep is expected to produce about 8 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year. According to the operators' estimates, this level of production can be maintained for about ten years.

In 2026, construction of the project advanced significantly. The Neptun Alpha production platform was installed in the Black Sea and an offshore gas pipeline was laid. Seven of the ten planned production wells have been completed.

Next steps include drilling the remaining wells, installing and connecting subsea infrastructure, tying the offshore facilities into the main pipeline, and comprehensive testing of systems before production begins.

Neptun Deep is located in the Romanian sector of the Black Sea. The project's estimated recoverable reserves are about 100 billion cubic meters of gas. Total development costs are estimated at around €4 billion.

OMV Petrom and Romgaz each hold a 50% stake in the project, with OMV Petrom acting as operator. The final investment decision for the development of the Domino and Pelican South fields was made by the companies back in 2023.

The launch of Neptun Deep is expected to significantly increase Romania's domestic gas production and strengthen its role in the regional gas market. Company officials said earlier that the project will help the country reduce its dependence on imports and increase its capacity to export gas to neighboring markets.

Based on materials from: OMV Petrom, Der Standard