Russia has presented Turkey a draft inter-governmental agreement for the $3bn Samsun-Ceyhan pipeline project.
As per the draft agreement, Russian oil companies will transport 25 million tons of oil via the pipeline, well below the initial capacity of 60-70 million tons, while Turkey will provide a favourable environment for the pipeline construction, RIA Novosti reported.
Russian Deputy Energy minister Anatoly Yanovsky was quoted by the news agency as saying that the draft agreement was earlier discussed with the Turkish side that was considered as a basis for further activities.
Samsun-Ceyhan pipeline is planned to be constructed from the Black Sea city of Samsun to Mediterranean port Ceyhan.
In October 2009, Rosneft, oil pipeline monopoly Transneft, Sovcomflot, Turkey’s Calik group and Italy’s Eni signed an agreement to participate in the construction and operation of the oil pipeline, as well as transportation, processing and joint sales of oil products.