South Stream: Highest Environment and Safety Standards

The South Stream consortium for the offshore section of the pipeline brings together Gazprom and Eni, both of which have extensive experience in building and operating state-of-the-art pipeline networks.

Environment and safety are top priorities for Gazprom in all of its projects. We are committed to delivering the cleanest fossil fuel over south stream in the safest and most environment-friendly way. The construction of south stream on the bed of the black sea will use cutting-edge technologies to ensure the highest possible ecological standards.

As a cross-border project, South Stream is subject to international conventions and national legislation in each of the countries through which it passes. We are fully committed to abiding by the highest environmental standards and consulting environmental experts and local authorities at every step. Before the laying of the pipeline begins, a comprehensive environmental study and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be completed in full compliance with the Espoo Convention. South Stream will be built using state-of-the-art and environmentally sound technologies.

Experience gained in the course of construction and operation of the Blue Stream pipeline across the Black Sea – which, in fact, is a direct counterpart of South Stream – proves that the implementation of such projects only has a temporary and local effect on the marine environment, while the risk of potential pollution can be effectively minimized.

New standards for pipeline safety will be set due to South Stream’s ambitious focus on environment conservation. The pipeline will conform to the internationally-recognized operational practices and – more importantly – to the exacting standards of the company and its shareholders. South Stream’s shareholders are leading energy companies boasting wide experience in pipeline construction and operation. They are committed to leverage their know-how for imposing the highest safety standards on the project.