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, and diesel like. It was pioneered in the late 19th century by Vladimir Shukhov and Branobel (the Nobel Brothers). This method method is effective in transporting large volumes of oil and natural gas economically to other regions. Pipelines can also be constructed underwater; examples include the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and Blue Stream Pipeline systems. This method plays a vital role in delivering energy resources such as oil and natural gas from sources to consumption points. Pipeline transportation stands out for its economic and environmental advantages, covering a significant portion of global energy trade (40 percent of oil and 75 percent of natural gas).

Pipeline Transportation

Definition and Advantages of Pipeline Transportation

Pipeline transport systems rely on steel, iron, or plastic pipelines to move energy resources such as oil and natural gas from sources to consumption centers. Support systems such as pumping stations, valves, and control equipment are integrated into this system. System Pipelines are typically constructed underground, offering an environmentally friendly approach environment.

Advantages

• 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 against risks such as sabotage and leaks ensure the safe transport of energy resources.

Pipeline Transportation Worldwide

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

Important International Projects

• Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) Oil Pipeline: Transports oil from the Caspian Sea to Turkey and the Mediterranean. This pipeline is significant both for energy trade and for strengthening Türkiye’s geopolitical role.
• Blue Stream: Carries 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.

Pipeline Transportation in Türkiye

Geopolitical Position and Strategic Role

Türkiye assumes a pivotal role as an energy corridor due to its proximity to energy reserves and its geopolitical location. Türkiye, which has access to a large share of the world’s oil and natural gas reserves, is a key player in major pipeline transportation projects.

Existing Pipelines

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

Key Projects

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

Development Plans and Pipeline Investments

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

Pipeline Transportation under the Sixth Development Plan

Goals

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 refined products to consumption centers. This approach seeks to provide safer and more economical solutions for energy transport.

Principles and Policies

Efficiency and Economic Viability of Product Pipelines

Balance of Products Among Refineries

Development of Natural Gas Infrastructure

This plan aims to make pipeline transportation more common, secure, and economical while taking strategic steps to enhance the energy infrastructure.

Pipeline Transportation under the Eighth Development Plan

Current Situation Assessment

• Pipeline investments have not yet been fully integrated into national 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, with continued work on transmission lines such as Eastern Anatolia, Samsun-Ankara, and Karacabey-Izmir.

Goals and Principles

Goal of Becoming an Energy Distribution Hub

Prioritized Projects

Diversification of Supply Sources

Legal and Institutional Reforms

• Priority will be given to regulations that ensure the efficient 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.

Projected Developments

• 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.

Challenges and Solutions

Pipeline transportation faces challenges such as sabotage risks, political issues, and environmental impacts. However, these challenges can be minimized through technological advancements, environmental impact assessments, and international cooperation.