Gazprom has established a branch of South Stream Transport B.V. In Istanbul for the implementation of the project and coordination of works on the project of the Turkish Stream gas pipeline.

This was announced on 28 March by Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller.

"By decision of the Board of Directors, South Stream Transport B.V. In Istanbul for the implementation of the project and coordination of work in Turkey. This is a very important decision, thus, all the conditions for the start of marine laying are created, "he said.

According to him, the sea laying of the gas pipeline will begin in the second half of the year. The construction of two threads of the "Turkish Stream" is planned to be completed by the end of 2019.

Miller noted that the project is in the active phase of construction, is strictly in accordance with the schedule. The first microtunnel was completed on the Russian section, the second microtunnel is ready for 98.5%. Hydrographical studies in Turkish waters are continuing. Work is being completed on assessing the impact on the environment at the final section of the pipeline route, Tass reports.

As the Internet portal Kuban 24 wrote, the Federation Council in February approved the law on ratification of the agreement between Russia and Turkey on the Turkish-Turkish gas pipeline project. Putin signed it. The Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation Alexander Novak said on March 10 that the permits for the construction of the first two threads of the "Turkish Stream" have been received.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has ratified the agreement with Russia on the project. EU diplomats expressed concern about the statements by Moscow and Ankara about the possible resumption of the Turkish Stream project. Gazprom in December 2016 signed a contract with the Allseas Group for the construction of the first sea line of the Turkish Stream gas pipeline.

In November 2015, former Minister of Economic Development Alexei Ulyukaev said that the project "Turkish Stream" falls under the list of investment projects that can be frozen. Later, Deputy Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee Valery Golubev noted that the infrastructure prepared for the project can be used to gasify the Krasnodar Territory.