Construction, Energy, EU – Baltic States, Gas, Lithuania

Photo: ambergrid.lt

German contractors LMR Drilling are carrying out environmentally-friendly HDD work under the River Nemunas in Alytus region after successfully laying the gas pipeline's section under the River Neris in June.

"In all projects of this scale, HDD work is probably the greatest challenge. Smooth completion of the work under the River Neris was an excellent rehearsal. We hope the gas pipeline laying under the River Nemunas will be smooth as well," Amber Grid CEO Nemunas Biknius said in a statement.

Two approximately 700 meter-long pipes will be laid under Lithuania's largest river 20 meters below the surface. Both pipes will be laid next to each other, in parallel, ensuring safe gas supply. In Lithunaia, the gas pipeline, worth 114 million euros (excluding VAT) is being constructed from Jauniunai, Sirvintos District, to the Lithuanian-Polish border in Lazdijai District. A section of 100 km is expected to be laid from Jauniunai to Alytus this year, and the remaining 65 km should be constructed next year.

The construction was launched in January and is being done by Lithuanian company Alvora in cooperation with Siauliu Dujotiekio Statyba, with Poland's Izostal being the pipe supplier. The gas pipeline is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2021, with the EU funding over 60 percent of the project.