Pipeline Transportation

Pipeline transportation is a critical transport system that enables the economic, fast and reliable movement of energy resources. It is a mode of transport used for the conveyance of crude oil, natural gas, gas, gasoline, diesel and other energy materials. It was pioneered in the late 19th century by Vladimir Shukhov and Branobel (the Nobel Brothers). This method is effective for transporting large volumes of oil and natural gas economically to other regions. Pipelines can also be constructed beneath the sea; examples include the Baku-Ceyhan and Blue Stream Pipeline systems. This method plays a vital role in delivering energy resources such as oil and natural gas from their sources to consumption points. Pipeline transportation stands out for its economic and environmental advantages, covering a significant portion of global energy trade (40% of oil and 75% of natural gas).

Pipeline Transportation

Pipeline transport systems rely on steel, iron or plastic pipes to move energy resources such as oil and natural gas from sources to consumption centers. Supporting systems such as pumping stations, valves and control equipment are integrated into the system. The system is typically constructed underground to provide an environmentally friendly approach.

• Economic Efficiency: Although pipeline transportation requires a high initial investment compared to other transport methods, it offers a more economical and faster alternative in the long term.
• Environmental Friendliness: Pipelines produce lower carbon emissions than road or maritime transport and minimize environmental pollution.
• Security: Measures taken against risks such as sabotage and leaks ensure the secure transport of energy resources.

Worldwide, a significant portion of energy trade is conducted via pipelines. Numerous international pipeline projects have been implemented in regions with concentrated energy reserves such as the Middle East, the Caspian Basin and North America.

• Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) Oil Pipeline: Transports oil from the Caspian Sea to Turkey and the Mediterranean. This pipeline is important both for energy trade and for strengthening Türkiye’s geopolitical role.
• Blue Stream: Transports natural gas from Russia to Türkiye beneath the Black Sea.
• TANAP (Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline): A strategic project that delivers Azerbaijani gas to Türkiye and Europe.
• Kirkuk-Ceyhan Pipeline: Plays a critical role in delivering Iraqi oil to global markets.

^{NTV, TANAP Project}

Due to its proximity to energy reserves and its geopolitical location, Türkiye assumes a strategic role as an energy corridor. As a neighbor to a large share of the world’s oil and natural gas reserves, Türkiye hosts major pipeline transportation projects.

• Russia–Türkiye Natural Gas Pipeline (Western Route): The main route for natural gas imports from Russia.
• Blue Stream: Transfers gas from Russia to Türkiye beneath the Black Sea.
• Eastern Anatolia Natural Gas Main Transmission Line (Türkiye–Iran): Transports Iranian natural gas to Türkiye.
• Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum Natural Gas Pipeline (BTE): Carries Azerbaijani natural gas to Türkiye and Europe.
• Türkiye–Greece Natural Gas Interconnection (TYE): Enables gas transfer from Türkiye to Greece.

• TANAP: Supports Türkiye’s ambition to become an energy hub by transporting Azerbaijani gas to Europe.
• Kirkuk-Ceyhan: Plays a key role in delivering Iraqi oil to global markets.
• Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan: A strategic route for transporting Caspian oil to the Mediterranean.

Pipeline investments in Türkiye have been addressed in detail in the sixth, seventh and eighth development plans. These plans emphasized the need for more efficient use of energy resources and prioritization of international projects.

Although the plan did not anticipate a significant increase in crude oil transportation via pipelines, it aimed to expand the use of pipelines for transporting refinery products to consumption centers. This approach seeks to provide safer and more economical solutions for energy transportation.

Operational Efficiency and Economic Viability of Product Pipelines

Balance of Products Among Refineries

Development of Natural Gas Infrastructure

This plan aimed to make pipeline transportation more widespread, secure and economical, while taking concrete steps toward improving the energy infrastructure.

• Pipeline investments have not yet been fully integrated into energy planning. This highlights the importance of a comprehensive study to define the long-term role of pipeline transportation within Türkiye’s overall energy balance.
• Progress has not been made in underground storage investments to expand natural gas use in residential and commercial sectors.
• Infrastructure projects aimed at increasing natural gas consumption are ongoing, including transmission line projects in Eastern Anatolia, Samsun–Ankara and Karacabey–İzmir.

Objective to Become an Energy Distribution Hub

Priority Projects

Diversification of Supply Sources

• Priority will be given to regulations aimed at the effective use of the existing pipeline system for the safe and economical transport of refinery products.
• Regulations will be introduced to liberalize the natural gas market and enable the establishment of private sector gas distribution companies.

• Natural gas transportation, which stood at 5.6 billion cubic meters in 1995, reached 10.5 billion cubic meters in 2000 and is targeted to reach 43.7 billion cubic meters by 2005.
• Domestic crude oil transportation is expected to reach 3.073 million ton-kilometers by 2005.
• The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline project is expected to significantly increase transit crude oil transportation.

This plan includes concrete steps to strengthen Türkiye’s energy infrastructure, expand pipeline transportation and establish Türkiye as a strategic center in international energy trade.

Pipeline transportation faces challenges such as sabotage risks, political issues and environmental impacts. However, technological advancements, environmental impact assessment reports and international cooperation enable these problems to be minimized.