The gas pipeline from the Ivana K platform in the northern Adriatic to the terminal in the coastal city of Pula and the Pula-Karlovac trunk gas pipeline were inaugurated by Prime Minister Ivo Sanader

PULA, Nov 22 (Hina) -  The gas pipeline from the Ivana K platform in the northern Adriatic to the terminal in the coastal city of Pula and the Pula-Karlovac trunk gas pipeline were inaugurated by Prime Minister Ivo Sanader on Wednesday.

The two newly-opened sections of the pipeline make it possible for the continental Croatia to get gas supplies from Croatia's sources.

The underwater section of the network with a length of 45 kilometres goes from the Ivana K platform to the coast plus ten kilometres from the coast to the terminal in Pula. These 55 kilometres were built by the Croatian oil company Ina over the past six months. This investment cost 45 million euros.

The 191-kilometre Pula-Karlovac pipeline was constructed by the Plinacro company that spent 90 million euros for this purpose.

PM Sanader described the start of operations in the gas network as a historic act, adding that the aim of the project was to protect consumers against possible obstructions in the delivery of gas from Russia.

We would like to ensure Croatia's independence in power supplies to the highest possible degree, which is why this project is of exceptional importance. We are aware of our natural resources and we insisted on the construction of the gas pipeline in the shortest possible time term so that we can be prepared for the new heating season, the Croatian premier said. Croatia plans to invest 440 million euros in the construction of gas pipelines in the next five years.

Zagreb, 22nd November, 2006