Inspection operations for the Transmed pipeline began on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Fugro GB Ltd, a British company, is executing the site assessment. The Transmediterranean Pipeline Company Ltd commissioned these safety inspections to evaluate the maritime section of the infrastructure. As the owner of the maritime section of the pipeline, the Transmediterranean Pipeline Company Ltd initiated this project to ensure the continued reliability of the energy transport system.
Scope of Pipeline Operations
Fugro GB Ltd will conduct these inspection operations until 15 December 2026. The inspection operations are scheduled to continue until December 15, 2026, marking a period of intensive technical analysis. The assessment focuses specifically on the underwater infrastructure located in the waters off the coast of Capo Feto. This site is situated near the city of Mazara del Vallo in Sicily, Italy. Personnel from the British firm are currently mapping the seabed and pipeline condition within this designated maritime zone to ensure long-term operational integrity. The timeline remains fixed for the completion of these activities by mid-December, ensuring that the necessary data is gathered before the end of the year. The British company Fugro GB Ltd is executing the inspection operations with specialized equipment designed for deep-water monitoring and structural analysis.
Vessel and Safety Protocols
The Italian vessel Calypso is being used for the inspection work. Measuring over 20 meters in length, the ship serves as the primary base for the Fugro GB Ltd crews operating off the coast of Sicily. The Italian vessel 'Calypso', which is over 20 meters long, is being used for the inspection work to facilitate the deployment of technical gear required for the seabed survey.
Port authorities have mandated that all other vessels maintain a safety distance of at least 1,000 meters from the Calypso during these operations. Port authorities have mandated that all vessels maintain a safety distance of at least 1,000 meters from the 'Calypso' during operations. This restriction aims to ensure the security of the technical teams and the integrity of the underwater survey equipment while the vessel remains in the designated maritime zone. Compliance with these protocols is required to prevent interference with the ongoing site assessments near Capo Feto.
Ownership and Strategic Oversight
Transmediterranean Pipeline Company Ltd maintains control over the pipeline operations currently under assessment. The company structure involves a partnership between Algerian and Italian interests. The Transmediterranean Pipeline Company Ltd is jointly owned by Sonatrach and the Italian company SeaCorridor, which is a joint venture between Eni and Snam. Sonatrach, the Algerian state-owned energy company, holds a significant stake in the infrastructure. SeaCorridor, an Italian entity, shares this ownership. SeaCorridor itself functions as a joint venture formed by Eni and Snam. These organizations oversee the strategic direction and maintenance requirements of the pipeline, which spans from Algeria through Tunisia and across the Mediterranean Sea to reach Italy. The collaboration between these firms ensures the management of the infrastructure that facilitates gas transport between the North African and European markets.
