The ongoing efforts to enhance Serbia’s energy infrastructure have led to an extension of the public tender for the construction of an oil pipeline connecting Serbia and Hungary. The new deadline for submissions is set for 26 February, a shift from the original date of 5 February. This change follows five amendments to the tender documentation aimed at refining the technical specifications required for prospective bidders.
Transnafta, the leading entity overseeing the project, has issued this tender which encompasses both construction and professional oversight of the pipeline. A primary objective of this initiative is to diversify Serbia’s crude oil import routes and bolster the reliability of its domestic oil supply.
At present, Serbia’s crude oil imports are exclusively reliant on the Croatian route and the JANAF pipeline system. The proposed pipeline will establish a new northern corridor, facilitating oil deliveries from Hungary through the Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian crude to various European markets.
Designed specifically for handling Russian Export Blend crude, the pipeline will commence near Horgos in northern Serbia and extend approximately 113 kilometers to Transnafta’s terminal in Novi Sad. This section is planned to be entirely underground and is projected to have an annual capacity of up to 5.5 million tons, significantly enhancing Serbia’s import capabilities.
The route will pass through several municipalities, including Kanjiza, Senta, Ada, Becej, and Zabalj, following a north-to-south trajectory toward Novi Sad. Initial cost estimates for constructing this Serbian segment stand at around 157 million euros.
In conjunction with advancing the tender process, Transnafta has also engaged with the Ministry of Environmental Protection regarding whether a formal environmental impact assessment will be necessary. This indicates that regulatory processes are progressing in parallel with procurement activities, reflecting a comprehensive approach to project development.
