TRANS ADRIATIC PIPELINE (TAP) PROJECT ITALIAN ...

FUGRO OCEANSISMICA S.p.A. – OFFSHORE DIVISION

Via Charles Lenormant, 268, 00126 Rome, Italy Phone: 39-06-5219291 - Fax 39-06-5219297, E-mail: [email protected]

Prepared for: Statoil ASA

N- 4035 Stavanger Forus Øst G-4 Att: Sølvi Elisabeth Valheim

Final Issued as Final G. Saporito D. Taliana 10 April 2014

0C Issued for client acceptance S. Polizzi D. Taliana 07 April 2014

0B Issued for client acceptance S. Polizzi D. Taliana 21 March 2014

0A Issued for client comments S. Polizzi D. Taliana 10 February 2014

Rev Description Prepared Checked Date

TRANS ADRIATIC PIPELINE (TAP) PROJECT ITALIAN NEARSHORE GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY

Italian Landfall - San Foca - Italy

FINAL REPORT OPL00 – FOC- 150 – Y – TRG - 0001

Client Ref: ST 13573

TAP- TRANS ADRIATIC PIPELINE Italian Nearshore Geophysical Survey

OPL00 – FOC – 150 Y TRG – 001 –Rev 0B Page i

KEYPLAN


OPL00 – FOC – 150 Y TRG – 001 –Rev 0B Page ii

CONTENTS

Page

1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 General 1

1.2 Definitions and Abbreviations 2

1.3 References 3

1.4 Revision Record Sheet 5

2 SURVEY DESCRIPTION 6

2.1 Scope of Work (SOW) 6

2.2 Performed Work 7

2.2.1 RV Astrea Survey Program 7

2.2.2 MB Vector Survey Program 7

2.3 GPS and Survey Geodetic Parameters 10

3 SUMMARY OF RESULTS 11

4 DETAILED RESULTS 13

4.1 Geological Setting 13

4.2 Bathymetry 17

4.2.1 Seabed Features 20

4.3 Shallow Geology 23

4.4 Shallow Geohazards and Installation Constrains 34

4.4.1 Cavity Survey 34

4.4.2 Bioturbated Seabed: 34

4.4.3 Seismic Anomalies 34

4.4.4 Fractures/Faults 34

4.4.5 Objects/Obstructions and Existing Infrastructures 34

5 ROUTE DETAILS 35

6 EQUIPMENT 36

6.1 Survey Vessels 36

6.2 Survey Equipment – RV Astrea 36

6.2.1 Surface Positioning 37

6.2.2 Heading 37

6.2.3 Single Beam Echo Sounder 37

6.2.4 Multibeam Echo Sounder 38

6.2.5 Motion Compensation 39

6.2.6 Sound Velocity Profiler 39

6.2.7 Side Scan Sonar 39

6.2.8 Sub-Bottom Profiler 40


OPL00 – FOC – 150 Y TRG – 001 –Rev 0B Page iii

6.2.9 Boomer 40

6.2.10 Sediment Sampling (Day Grab) 41

6.2.11 Underwater Video Camera 41

6.3 Survey Equipment – MB Vector 41



6.4 Analogue Instrument Offsets 42

7 SURVEY OPERATIONS 44

7.1 Calibrations 44



7.1.3 Acoustic Velocity 46

7.2 Data Reduction and Processing 47

7.2.1 Positioning and Navigation 47

7.2.2 Bathymetry - Tides 47




7.2.6 Sub-Bottom Profiler/Boomer 48

7.3 Accuracy of Navigation, Bathymetric and Seabed Data 48

7.3.1 Positioning and Navigation 48

7.3.2 Bathymetry 48


7.4 Accuracy of Sub Seabed Data 49

7.4.1 Horizontal Accuracy 49

7.4.2 Vertical Accuracy 50

8 DATA INDEX 51

8.1 Digital Report Delivery 51

8.2 Chart Index 52

8.3 Target Listing Index 53


OPL00 – FOC – 150 Y TRG – 001 –Rev 0B Page iv

APPENDICES

A. GEODETIC PARAMETERS

B. CALIBRATIONS

C. SURVEY LOGS

D. DAILY PROGRESS REPORTS

E. VESSEL SPECIFICATIONS

F. DETAILED EQUIPMENT

G. MBES PROCESSING

H. SERVICE WARRANTY

I. CHARTS


OPL00 – FOC – 150 Y TRG – 001 –Rev 0B Page v

TABLES

Page

Table 2.1:Topographic survey co-ordinates 8

Table 2.2: Proposed Landfall Co-ordinates 8

Table 2.3: Project Geodetic and Projection Parameters 10

Table 5.1: Pipeline Route Coordinates 35

Table 6.1: RV ASTREA Vessel Specifications 36

Table 6.2: MB Vector Specifications 36

Table 6.3: RV ASTREA Equipment 36

Table 6.4: MB Vector Equipment 41

Table 6.5: Instrument Offsets relative to the CRP position 42

Table 7.2: EM 2040 Multibeam Calibration Results 45

Table 7.3: Mean Acoustic Velocity as determined from SVP measurement 46

FIGURES

Page

Figure 2.1: Nearshore Geophysical Survey corridor and route. 9

Figure 4.1: Geological map (Ref 7). 14

Figure 4.2: Intermediate and bottom current circulation in the central Mediterranean Sea (REF 17). 16

Figure 4.3: MBES data – Evidences of slow mass movement. 18

Figure 4.4: MBES data – Example of Even seabed, probably due to biocostruction patch reef 18

Figure 4.5: MBES data – Example of undulated seabed: probable sand waves. 19

Figure 4.6: SSS data (Line TAPM04H) – Sandy GRAVEL 21

Figure 4.7: SSS data (Line TAPM04H) – Biocostructions. 22

Figure 4.8: SSS data (Line TAPMCLH) – Megaripples 22

Figure 4.9: Example boomer data (Line TAPMCL) – Centre line TAPMCL_BOM_202. 26

Figure 4.10: Example boomer data (Line TAPMCL) – Centre line TAPMCL_BOM_202. 27

Figure 4.11: Example of boomer data – Centre line TAPMCL_BOM_202. 28

Figure 4.12: Example of boomer data – Centre line TAPMCL_BOM_202. 29

Figure 4.15: Example of boomer data – Line TAPM11_BOM_201 and DTM. 32

Figure 4.16: Example of Boomer data – Centre Line TAPMCL_BOM_202 and DTM. 33

Figure 6.1: Instrument Offsets – RV ASTREA 43

Figure 6.2: Configuration of equipment on board – RV ASTREA 43


OPL00 – FOC – 150 Y TRG – 001 –Rev 0B Page 1

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 General

Statoil for TAP (Client) has contracted Fugro Oceansismica S.p.A to perform the Detailed Marine

Survey (DMS) for the Submarine Pipeline section of the TAP Project. In particular, Fugro

Oceansismica S.p.A. is responsible for execution of the Nearshore Geophysical Surveys in Italian

territories.

The work was conducted at nearshore location in south-east Italy, north of San Foca (Lecce). The

TAP Project has changed the Italian landfall location.

This Geophysical Survey Final Report shows the Italian nearshore results of MBES, SSS, SBP and

Boomer data. In particular, it provides results and main features affecting the nearshore pipeline route

in a 4000 m long corridor.

This Final Report includes all data acquisition and processing, charting and reporting to facilitate, with

the nearshore geotechnical survey, the required engineering analysis for the shore approaches to the

landfall.

All coordinates in this report are based on the WGS84 (ETRF 1989) Datum, WGS84 Spheroid. Grid

coordinates are in metres on the Universal Transverse Mercator Projection, Zone 34 N, Central

Meridian 21°E.

The final interpretation is based upon all the available data and it is illustrated with figures in the text

and with charts (Appendix I).



1.2 Definitions and Abbreviations

UVC Underwater video camera

CRP Centre Reference Point

CTD Conductivity, Temperature and Depth

DGPS Differential Global Positioning System

DPR Daily Progress Report

DTM Digital Terrain Model

FOSPA Fugro Oceansismica S.P.A.

GEOS Fugro Global Environmental and Ocean Sciences

GPS Global Positioning System

HF High Frequency

HP High Precision

HSE Health, Safety and the Environment

Hz - kHz Hertz – kiloHertz

J - kJ Joule – kiloJoule

KP Kilometre Post

LAT Lowest Astronomical Tide

LF Low Frequency

m - km Metres – kilometres

MBES Multibeam echo sounder

MSL Mean Sea Level

MRU Motion Reference Unit

QC Quality Control

RTK Real Time Kinematic

s - ms seconds – milliseconds

SBES Single beam echo sounder

SBP Sub-bottom profiler

SPK Sparker

SSS Side scan sonar

SVP Sound Velocity Profiler

TWTT Two Way Travel Time

UCF Unconformity

UTM Universal Transverse Mercator

wd water depth

WGS84 World Geodetic System 84



1.3 References

REF 1 Aiello, G., Bravi, S., Budillon, F., Cristofalo, G.C., D’Argenio, B., De Lauro, M., Ferraro, L.,

Marsella, E., Molisso, F., Pelosi, N., Tramontano, M.A., 1995. Giornale di Geologia, vol 57, no 1.2, 17-

40.

REF 2 Artegiani A., Azzolini R. and Salusti E., 1989, On the dense water in the Adriatic Sea.

Oceanoligica Acta, 12, 151-160.

REF 3 Ciaranfi N., Pieri P. and Ricchetti G., 1992, Note alla carta geologica delle Murge e del Salento

(Puglia centro-meridionale). Memorie Società Geologica Italiana, 41, 449-460.

REF 4 Chiocci, F. L., D’Angelo, S., Romagnoli, C., 2004, Atlas of submerged Depositional Terrace

along the italian coasts. Memorie descrittive della carta d’Italia, Volume LVIII, pp 120.

REF 5 D'Argenio B., Pescatore T. and Scandone P., 1973, Schema geologico dell'Appennino

meridionale (Campania e Lucania). Proc. Congr. " Moderne vedute sulla geologia dell'Appennino".

Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, 183, 49-72.

REF 6 D'Argenio B. and Horvath F., 1984, Some remarks on the deformation history of Adria, from the

Mesozoic to the Tertiarty. Ann. Geophys. 2, 143-146.

REF 7 Doglioni C., Mongelli F. & Pieri P., 1994, The Apulia Uplift (SE Italy): An anomaly in the

foreland of the Apenninic subduction due to buckling of a thick continental lithosphere. Tectonics, 13

vol 5, pp. 1309-1321.

REF 8 Emery, D. and Myers, K.J., 1996, Sequence Stratigraphy, Blackwell Science Ltd., pp.297.

REF 9 Geletti R., Del Ben A., Beseti M., Ramella R. and Volpi V., 2008, Gas seeps linked to salt

structures in the Central Adriatic Sea. Basin Research 1-15.

REF 10 Malanotte - Rizzoli P. and Bergamasco A., 1983. The dynamics of the costal region of the

Northern Adriatis Sea. Journal Physical Oceanography, 13, 1105-1130.

REF 11 Margiotta, S. and Negri, S., 2005, Geophysical and stratigraphical research into deep

groundwater and intruding seawater in the Mediterranean area (the Salento Peninsula, Italy). Natural

Hazards and Earth System Sciences, vol 5, pp. 127–136.

REF 12 Newton R. and Stefanon A., 1982, Side Scan Sonar and subbottom profiling i the northern

Adriatic Sea. Marine Geology, 46, 279-306.

REF 13 Pieri, P., Festa, V., Moretti, M. Tropeano, M., 1997, Quaternary tectonic activity of the Murge

area (Apulian foreland - Southern Italy). Annali di Geofisica, vol.XL, no 5, October, pp. 1395-1404.



REF 14 Ricchetti G., Ciaranfi N., Luperto Sinni E., Mongelli F. and Pieri P., 1992. Geodinamica ed

evoluzione stratigrafico-tettonica dell'avampaese apulo. Memorie Società Geologia Italiana, 41, 57-82.

REF 15 Ridente D. and Trincardi F., 2006, Active foreland deformation evidenced by shallow folds and

faults affecting late Quaternary shelf-slope deposits (Adriatic Sea, Italy). Basin Research 18, 171 -

188.

REF 16 Selleri, G., 2007, Karstic landscape evolution of southern Apulia Foreland during the

Pleistocene. Geogr. Fis. Dinam. Quat., vol 30, pp. 77-86.

REF 17 Verdicchio G. and Trincardi F., 2008, Mediterranean shelf-edge muddy contourites: examples

from the Gela and South Adriatic basins. Geo-Mar Lett 28:137-151.



1.4 Revision Record Sheet

0C Issued for client acceptance S. Polizzi D. Taliana 07 April 2014

0B Issued for client acceptance S. Polizzi D. Taliana 21 March 2014

0A Issued for client comments S. Polizzi D. Taliana 10 February 2014

Rev Description Prepared Checked Date



2 SURVEY DESCRIPTION

2.1 Scope of Work (SOW)

The Trans Adriatic Pipeline Project (TAP) aims to construct a submarine pipeline to transport natural

gas from Albania to Italy across the Strait of Otranto.

The TAP Project has changed the landfall location in Italy and this is not covered by the previous

detailed surveys performed in the area.

The investigations provide data for the design and the Environmental Impact Assessment of the

pipeline shore approach.

Furthermore this geophysical survey defined a shallow geology and a stratigraphy along the

microtunnel axis channel.

In particular, the objectives of the nearshore geophysical route survey were to:

• obtain accurate bathymetry, locate all seabed obstructions and identify other seabed factors

which may affect the laying and stability of the pipeline;

• identify and map geological and/or biological features or phenomena that may have the

potential to influence the routing, architecture, construction or operation of the proposed

pipelines;

• develop a DTM, contour plan and seabed charts with particular emphasis on any rock outcrops

and seabed slopes;

• perform a geophysical survey of the route to identify the shallow sub-seabed structural geology

for geo-hazard analysis and pipeline stability;

• locate and identify any other obstructions in the vicinity of the selected pipeline route

• locate all existing pipelines and cables, both operational and redundant, within the survey

corridor.

Acquisition was correctly performed all along the route, with sufficient information gathered to allow an

interpretation along the surveyed corridor.

At the time of the survey, all bathymetric data were reduced to LAT (Lowest Astronomical Tide)

utilizing the ISPRA Otranto Tide Gauge DATA, during the survey period.



2.2 Performed Work

The Italian nearshore geophysical survey was carried out using the RV ASTREA and MB Vector for

12-hour operations from 16 December 2013 to 04 January 2014.

RV ASTREA was mobilized in Otranto harbour from 16 to 18 December 2013 and MB Vector was

mobilized in Otranto harbour on 24 December 2013.

The Italian side corridor surveyed during the Nearshore Geophysical Survey was approximately 4000

m long (from KP 104 to KP 99.5) and about 200 m wide. The KP 0 is Albania nearshore. In particular,

the corridor between -4 and -93 m depth was carried out using the RV ASTREA with MBES, SBES,

SSS, SBP, and Boomer; and the survey corridor between -4 m and the shoreline (surf zone) was

carried out using MB Vector equipped with SBES.

2.2.1 RV Astrea Survey Program

The survey was carried out utilizing the following equipment: single beam echo sounder (SBES) and

multibeam echo sounder (MBES), side scan sonar (SSS), sub-bottom profiler (SBP) and Boomer.

The nearshore pipeline survey was a corridor 200 m wide centred on the theoretical pipeline route. In

order to cover the corridor, the proposed grid consisted of 20 lines centred on the pipeline route and

10 m spaced and 9 tie lines 500 m spaced.

The grids run with SBP, Boomer, SBES and MBES consisted of:

• 11 main lines over the corridor (from KP 104.1 to KP 99.5), approximately 4000 m long, NE-SW

oriented, with an average line-spacing of 10 m and 10 main additional lines over the corridor

(from KP 103.4 to KP 99.5), approximately 3000 m long, NE-SW oriented, with an average line-

spacing of 10 m.

• 9 cross lines, approximately 200 m long and NW-SE oriented, run approximately every 500 m

(from KP 104.1 to KP 99.5).

• 10 additional infilling SBP and Boomer lines run from KP 103.6 to KP 1033,, oriented NE.SW

and 5 cross additional line, oriented NW-SE.

The grid run with SSS consisted of:

• 7 main SSS lines over the corridor (from KP 104.1 to KP 99.5), approximately 4000 m long, NE-

SW oriented, with an average line-spacing of 25 m and 2 main additional lines over the corridor

(from KP 103.4 to KP 99.5), approximately 3000 m long, NE-SW oriented, with an average line-

spacing of 25 m.

2.2.2 MB Vector Survey Program

The survey was carried out utilizing the single beam echo sounder.

The grid run with SBES consisted of:



• 3 main lines approximately 230 m long, NW-SE oriented , with an average line-spacing of 5 m.

• 21 cross lines approximately 100 m long, NE-SW oriented , with an average line-spacing of 5

m, and 13 cross lines approximately 100 m long, with an average line-spacing of 10 m.

The nearshore geophysical survey grid performed by RV ASTREA and by MB Vector is shown in

Figure 2.1

The coordinates of the nearshore geophysical survey area are the following (Table 2.1; Table 2.2):

Table 2.1:Topographic survey co-ordinates

Latitude N: Longitude E: Easting (m): Northing (m):

A 40°18'40.99" 18°23'32.58" 278416.54 4465582.42

B 40°18'38.36" 18°23'35.06" 278472.72 4465499.63

C 40°18'54.23" 18°24'03.75" 279164.40 4465969.01

D 40°18'52.91" 18°24'04.99" 279192.47 4465927.63

E 40°19'21.06" 18°24'55.92" 280419.90 4466760.45

F 40°19'19.74" 18°24'57.13" 280447.37 4466718.68

G 40°19'56.86" 18°25'51.52" 281764.32 4467825.99

H 40°20'00.52" 18°25'44.53" 281602.75 4467943.88

Table 2.2: Proposed Landfall Co-ordinates


Landfall 40°18'27.36" 18°23'11.54" 277907.489 44651 76.606

Co-ordinates are WGS84 DATUM, UTM ZONE 34 North



Figure 2.1: Nearshore Geophysical Survey corridor a nd route.



2.3 GPS and Survey Geodetic Parameters

The following Table 2.3 contains the geodetic parameters used to perform the Nearshore Geophysical

Survey. These parameters were checked and accepted by Client on board.

Table 2.3: Project Geodetic and Projection Paramete rs

Global Positioning System Geodetic Parameters 1)

Spheroid: World Geodetic System 1984

Datum: World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84)

Semi major axis: a = 6378137.000 m

Inverse Flattening: 1/f = 298.257223563

Local Datum Geodetic Parameters 2)

Spheroid: World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84)

Datum: World Geodetic System 1984

Semi major axis: 6 378 137.000 m

Inverse Flattening: 1/f = 298.257 223 563

Datum Transformation Parameters 3) from WGS84 to Hayford 1909 - International 1924

Shift dX: 0.00 M Rotation rX: 0.00 arcsec Scale Factor: 0.00 ppm

Shift dY: 0.00 M Rotation rY: 0.00 arcsec

Shift dZ: 0.00 M Rotation rZ: 0.00 arcsec

Project Projection Parameters

Grid Projection: Universal Transverse Mercator, Northern Hemisphere

UTM Zone: 34 N

Central Meridian: 21° 00’ 00” E

Latitude of Origin: 0° 00’ 00” Equator

False Easting: 500 000 m

False Northing: 0 m

Scale factor at Central Meridian 0.9996

Unit: Metre

Notes:

1. Fugro Starfix navigation software always uses WGS84 geodetic parameters as a primary datum for any geodetic

calculations.

2. Source: Client .

3. This is the right-handed co-ordinate frame rotation convention used by the Fugro Starfix navigation software.



3 SUMMARY OF RESULTS

Project

Geodesy:

WGS 84 Datum, Wgs84 Spheroid . All data co-ordinates are in metres on the Universal Transverse Mercator Projection, Zone 34N, Central Meridian 21° E,

Survey

corridor

Coordinates


A 40°18'40.99" 18°23'32.58" 278416.54 4465582.42

B 40°18'38.36" 18°23'35.06" 278472.72 4465499.63

C 40°18'54.23" 18°24'03.75" 279164.40 4465969.01

D 40°18'52.91" 18°24'04.99" 279192.47 4465927.63

E 40°19'21.06" 18°24'55.92" 280419.90 4466760.45

F 40°19'19.74" 18°24'57.13" 280447.37 4466718.68

G 40°19'56.86" 18°25'51.52" 281764.32 4467825.99

H 40°20'00.52" 18°25'44.53" 281602.75 4467943.88

Landfall

Coordinates


Landfall 40°18'27.36" 18°23'11.54" 277907.489 44651 76.606

Minimum Depth: -2 m (KP 104.2) Maximum Depth: -93 m (KP 100.3). Minimum Gradient along Route: 0.5° (at 101.9) Maximum Gradient along Route: 4.8° (at KP 103.4)

Bathymetry:

Kp (m): Bathymetric Feature

Note

103.67 Elongated depression

66 m length x 18 m wide x -13.5 m depth ; NNE-SSW oriented

103.4 Break of slope depth -20.5 m

103.3

Elongated depression (probably due to slow mass movement)

long 120 m, wide 20 m and 5 m depth. NNE-SSW and NW-SE oriented

103.1 Break of slope depth -31 m

101.87 Break of slope depth - 77.5 m



Kp (m): Bathymetric Feature

Note

101.5 Crest of sand waves

depth -79 m with height 1 m NNW-SSE oriented

101.2 Crest of sand waves

depth -81 m, with height 1 m. NNW-SSE oriented

101 Crest of sand waves

depth -85 m, with height 1 m. NNW-SSE oriented

Seabed Features

Kp range (m): Seabed Feature Note

104.24 - 103.4 Patch reefs of dense SAND

55-60 m length and 40-45 m wide

103.4 - 103.1 Gravelly SAND patches

110 m length and 90 m wide,

103.1 - 101.87 Pinnacles (probably biocostructions)

diameter 2-10 m and a height 0.5-3 m.

101.87 - 100.27 Megaripples field length wave 2.5-3 m and WNW-ESE and NE-SW oriented.

Shallow Geology:

The geology throughout the TAP Pipeline route is expected to comprise a number of three Units, Holocene to lower Pleistocene age: Unit A, Unit B and Unit C.

Age Unit/ Horizons

Depth of Base (m bLAT)

Depth of Base (m bsb)

Predominant Lithology

HOLOCENE

A (Seabed-

H10)

17- 110 (KP 103.9 - KP

100.15)

7 -12 (KP 103.9 - KP

100.15)

Loose to dense calcareous silica slightly silty fine

SAND, with shell fragments and shells

PLEISTOCENE upper-middle

B (H10 -H20)

67- 157 (KP 103.1- KP

100.15)

34- 59 (KP 103.1 - KP

100.15)

Medium dense siliceous carbonate sandy SILT,

with few shells and shell fragments

PLEISTOCENE lower

C (< H20)

Below Record lenght

Below Record lenght

SAND and calcareous GRAVEL

Shallow Geo-

hazard and

Installation

constraints :

Cavity Survey: No cavities were recognized within the survey area. Bioturbated Seabed: From KP 103.1 to KP 101.87 the TAP Pipeline route runs on bioturbated sediments and bioconstructions field. Shallow Gas No seismic anomalies were recognized within the survey area Faulting Evidences of faults have not been detected within Unit A. Obstructions No infrastructures were recognized close the pipeline route.



4 DETAILED RESULTS

4.1 Geological Setting

The geodynamic and sedimentary history of the Adriatic basin records the evolution from a passive

margin, during the Mesozoic, to a foreland basin system, during the Cenozoic (REF 6).

The geology of the southern Adriatic Sea indicates the presence of the foreland relative to the

southern Apennines ("Avampaese Apulo-Gargano" Aut.), and the foredeep relative to the Dinarids and

Hellenids, Tertiary-Quetarnary in age. The foreland is the seaward prolongation of Mesozoic shallow

water carbonates cropping out in the Apulian region ("Apulian carbonate platform"; REF 5).

The Apulian foreland is a wide antiformal structure, WNW-ESE trending, block faulted (Gargano,

Murge and Salento blocks) and uplifted differentially during the Plio-Quaternary (REF 14). Early and

middle Pleistocene neritic sandstones cropping out in Murge and Salento were probably deposited

over morphostructural lineaments. The presence of a regressive, Upper Pleistocene depositional

sequence overlying an erosional surface, suggests an uniform upflit of the Apulian area during the

Pleistocene, as confirmed also by the regional distribution of fossil shorelines (REF 3 - 14).

The Salento region is the southernmost part of Apulian foreland, and is made of a thick carbonatic

basement which comprises different units whose age ranges from the Upper Cretaceous to the Lower

Pleistocene. These units are covered by diffuse thin marine terrigenous sediments referred to the

Middle-Upper Pleistocene (REF 16; Figure 4.1). These sediments were formed during several marine

transgressions, are up to 15-20 meters thick and are indicated as Marine terraced deposits (REF 16),

actually located from about 200 m above the present shoreline to sea level REF 3).

The recent geomorphic evolution of the South Adriatic continental shelf was mainly controlled by

eustatic sea-level oscillations during the middle-late Pleistocene and the Holocene.

Seaward, the Salento continental shelf shows a strathigraphic architecture characterized by

progradational sediment wedges unconformably overlying a basal unit made by Plio-stocene sands

and calcarenites. The internal organization of the wedges is characterized by progradational and

retrogradational parasequences, separated by transgressive surfaces (REF 1-8). The thick prograding

sequence testify a strong and continuous sea-level fall occurred during Middle Pleistocene, and the

large amount of sediment supplied is linked to the recent tectonic phase involving the Apulian foreland

and the consequent uplift (REF 7). The proposed Italian Landfall is close to S. Foca, about 20 km east

of Lecce. The oucropping geology in the area is characterized by Pliocene sediments of the Uggiano

la Chiesa Formation (up to 50 m), covered the Miocene deposits of “Pietra leccese” and “Andrano

Calcarenite”. The Uggiano la Chiesa Formation is made up of detritic and carbonatic sediments and

crops out along the coast, with maximum thickness just over 50 m (REF 11).

The oceanography of the south Adriatic Sea is influenced by the climate, the sea-floor morphology

and the exchange of waters with both Ionian and central Adriatic seas. In the south Adriatic sea, both

deep local waters and waters coming from the Mediterranean sea (Levantine Intermediate Water) and

from the north Adriatic Sea (North Adriatic Deep Water NADW) are present (REF 2).



LIW enter the south Adriatic Sea through the eastern sector of the Otranto Channel, while the outflow

westward of the Otranto Channel occurs across a less wide section. Down to the 100 m isobath, the

oceanographic circulation westward of the Otranto Channel is characterized by relatively salt less

water, coming from the northern Adriatic Sea (REF 10) (Figure 4.2).

Figure 4.1: Geological map (Ref 7).

Studies conducted in the Salento shelf show that this area is characterized by the presence of the

Biomounds. These structures often have a regular, flat and circular appearance and are composed of

many small elements with strong backscattering. These organic structures, all unburied and

presumably alive, were built by three types of colonial organisms: calcareous algae, madreporaria and

bryozoa (REF 12).The biomounds have a diameter of 70m and height of less than 1 m and were found



at water depths ranging between 80 m and 110m.The regular shape of the biomounds reflect a growth

on local accumulations of coarse sediment. (REF 1 - 9).

In the Salento Shelf the sediment waves and related bedforms were recognized. They were found as

either (a) local occurrence of two or three waves with moderate backscattering and medium spacing or

more closely-spaced, high backscattering fields of waves (b). Type (a) bedforms have a crest length of

100 m on average, with crest amplitude of less than 1 m. Crest are typically 10 m apart. Waves are

orientated E-W, sub-parallel to the coast and occur in water depth of 90m. Type (b) bedforms have a

crest length of over 100-200 m, and occur in larger fieldss; crest height is again lesse than 1 m. Crests

are typically <10 m apart. Waves are oriented N-S, again parallel to the coast and occur in water depth

of 75 m (REF 1).



Figure 4.2: Intermediate and bottom current circul ation in the central Mediterranean Sea (REF 17).



4.2 Bathymetry

The study of the seabed was carried out integrating MBES, SBES and SSS data.

All bathymetric data are referred to the Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT).

Depth range along the proposed pipeline route: -2 m (KP 104.2) to -93 m (KP 100.3).

Minimum gradient: 0.5° (at 101.9)

Maximum gradient : 4.8° (at KP 103.4)

The survey area is characterized by numerous seabed features, which were formed during the last

change of sea level and by the action of bottom currents. Some of these features are submarine

terraces, dunes, landslide and creeping movement.

At the end of the surveyed corridor, approximately KP 104.2 to KP 103.4, the seabed deepens from to

-2 w.d. to -20.5 m w.d., with an average gradient of 1.2°. In this sector, several elongated NNE-SSW

depressions were detected. The two main depressions are: 1) 66 m long x 18 m wide x -13.5 m deep;

2) 52 long x 17.5 wide x -14.5 m deep (Figure 4.3). The main one crosses the proposed pipeline route

at KP 103.68. This area is bounded by a break of slope at a depth -20.5 m (4.8°).

From KP 103.4 to KP 103.1, the seabed deepens from -20.5 w.d. to -32 m w.d., with an average

gradient of 2.20. From KP 103.5 to KP 103.3 two reliefs were detected at a depth of 21.2 m. These

reliefs are 55-60 m long and 40-45 m wide.

From KP 103.3 to KP 103.2 the route crossed an area characterized by elongated depressions,

probably indicating a slow mass movement. These structures are NNE-SSW and NE-SW oriented and

approximately 120 m long, 20 m wide and 5 m deep: (Figure 4.3). At KP 103.1 this sector is bounded

by a break of slope at a depth -31 m.

From KP 103.1 to KP 101.9, the seabed deepens from to - 31 w.d. to -77.5 m w.d., with an average

gradient of 2.15°. This sector is characterized by even articulated area with many pinnacles. These

structures have a circular and regular shape and show a diameter ranging between 2-10 m and a

height ranging between 0.5-3 m. This area is bounded by a break of slope at a depth - 77.5 m (3°)

(Figure 4.4).

From KP 101.9 to KP 100.3, the seabed deepens from to -77.5 m w.d. to -93 m w.d., with an average

gradient of 0.5°. Almost the entire sector is chara cterized by an undulated seafloor. Between KP 101.7

and KP 100 five crests were detected: three NNW-SSE crests, respectively at a depth of -79 m, -81 m

and -85 m, 1 m height; and two NNE-SSW crests, at a depth of -79.3 m and -80.5 m, 2 m height.

(Figure 4.5).



Figure 4.3: MBES data – Evidences of slow mass move ment.

Figure 4.4: MBES data – Example of Even seabed, p robably due to biocostruction patch reef



Figure 4.5: MBES data – Example of undulated seabed : probable sand waves.



4.2.1 Seabed Features

The interpretation of the seabed features was carried out integrating MBES, SBES, and SSS data,

analogue seismic data (SBP and Boomer) and supported by three core samples collected within the

corridor and provided by D'Appolonia S.p.A. The boreholes positions are shown in the following Table

4.1.

Table 4.1: Boreholes within the survey area.

Latitude N: Longitude E: Easting (m): Northing (m): Depth (m)

TAP231S 40°18'58.34" 18°24'15.01" 279433.65 4466087.8 9 6

TAP2018 40°18'55.59" 18°24'08.47" 279276.87 4466007.7 7 27

TAP2019-2019a 40°18'54.85" 18°24'06.59" 279232.01 446 5986.31 26

The analysis of Side Scan Sonar data was based on the acoustic facies characteristics, including

overall pattern, shape, dimensions, backscattering strength, orientation, depth ecc.

Numerous of facies were recognized:

From the end of the surveyed corridor, approximately KP 104.2 (-2 m w.d.) to KP 103.4 (-20.5 m w.d.),

the seafloor is characterized by a moderate backscatter. Patch reefs of dense SAND were detected

(boreholes: TAP 231S- TAP2018- TAP2019-2019a) (Figure 4.6). The dense cemented SAND patches

are 55-60 m long and 40-45 m wide. This area is bounded by a break of slope at KP 103.4.

From KP 103.4 (-20.5 m w.d.) to KP 103.1 (-31 m w.d.) the route crosses an area with moderate

backscatter, characterized by gravelly SAND patches (Figure 4.6). This area is bounded by a break of

slope at KP 103.1.

From KP 103.1 (-31 m w.d) to KP 101.9 (-77.5 m w.d.), the seafloor is characterized by an area with

moderate to high backscatter than could be correlated with the presence of pinnacles and probable

biocostructions (Table 4.2). These structures show a regular and circular shape. They have a diameter

of 2-10 m and height 0.5-3 m (Figure 4.7). At KP 101.9 this area is bounded by a break of slope.

From KP 101.87 (-77.5 m w.d.) to KP 100.3 (-93 m w.d.), the seafloor is characterized by an area with

low to moderate backscatter than could be correlated to the presence of SAND (boreholes: TAP 231S-

TAP2018- TAP2019-2019a). This area is characterized by undulated seafloor, probably indicating the

present of megaripples field with length wave of 2.5-3 m and a main direction NNW-SSE (Figure 4.8).



All these features were confirmed by EBS videos and imagines. The location EBS videos and

imagines within the survey area are show in the following table.

Table 4.2: EBS video and imagines within the survey area.


Depth (m)

ES01 40°18'55.73" 18°24'03.60" 279163.85 4466046.43 - 21.2

ES03 40°18'54.09" 18°24'06.08" 279220.00 4465963.68 - 20.8

ES04 40°18'59.60" 18°24'08.83" 279289.01 4466131.35 - 30.18

ES06 40°18'56.97" 18°24'11.29" 279345.16 4466048.60 - 29.5

ES07 40°19'04.78" 18°24'19.92" 279555.76 4466283.19 - 37.4

ES08 40°19'13.85" 18°24'37.47" 279978.35 4466550.41 - 60.8

ES09 40°19'22.37" 18°24'55.46" 280410.95 4466801.13 - 76.7

ES10 40°19'30.92" 18°25'13.48" 280843.22 4467052.41 - 79.8

ES11 40°19'40.81" 18°25'30.23" 281247.81 4467345.26 - 86.8

ES12 40°19'52.60" 18°25'44.73" 281247.81 4467699.28 - 92

Figure 4.6: SSS data (Line TAPM04H) – Sandy GRAVEL



Figure 4.7: SSS data (Line TAPM04H) – Biocostructio ns.

Figure 4.8: SSS data (Line TAPMCLH) – Megaripples



4.3 Shallow Geology

The geology along the pipeline route was interpreted from the sub bottom and boomer data loaded

onto a PC running SMT’s Kingdom Suite Interpretation Software. A velocity of 1600 m/s was applied

to the sub-bottom profiler and boomer data to convert time to depth (m).

The interpretation was based on the seismic attributes of the seismic sections, and supported by three

boreholes stratigraphy supplied by D'Appolonia S.p.A (Table 4.1). The results of the interpretation are

displayed as figures in the text and charts (Appendix I).

Because of the presence of dense SAND, the sub-bottom profiler achieved a penetration of

approximately 5 m (6 ms) below seabed with a vertical resolution of approximately 50 cm where

possible. The boomer system achieved a penetration of approximately 36 m (45 ms) below the

seabed with a vertical resolution of 1.5 m.

The geology throughout the TAP Pipeline Route is expected to comprise three Units, Holocene to

lower Pleistocene in age: Unit A, Unit B and Unit C. The geological summary along the pipeline route

is summarized in Table 4.3:

Table 4.3: Geological summary along the TAP Pipelin e route

Age Unit/ Horizons

Depth of Base (m bLAT)

Depth of Base (m bsb)

Predominant Lithology

HOLOCENE A

(Seabed-H10)

17 - 110 (KP 103.9 - KP

100.15)

7 - 12 (KP 103.9- KP

100.15)

Loose to dense calcareous silica slightly

silty fine SAND, with shell fragments and

shells

PLEISTOCENE upper-middle

B (H10-H20)

67 - 157 (KP 103.1 – KP

100.15)

34 - 59 (KP 103.1 - KP

100.15)

Medium dense siliceous carbonate sandy SILT,

with few shells and shell fragments

PLEISTOCENE lower

C (< H20)

Below Record lenght

Below Record lenght SAND and calcareous

GRAVEL

Unit A (Seabed to H10):

From the seabed to the Horizon H10, the seismic unit (Unit A) is characterized by moderate amplitude,

continuous and prograding reflectors and medium frequency.

Unit A is composed by dense calcareous silica, slightly silty, fine SAND, with shells and shell

fragments and could be correlated with the Holocene age (REF. 7).

From KP 103.9 to 100.4 a continuous reflector, Horizon H02, was detected within Unit A. Horizon H02

is composed by loose calcareous silica slightly silty fine SAND, with shell fragments. Horizon H02 has



a depth that ranges between 2.5 m bsb (15 ms bLAT) to 1 m bsb (32 ms bLAT) (Fig. 4.9). Horizon H02

was confirmed by boreholes log (Table 4.1).

From KP 101.1 to 100.1 a sub-horizontal reflector (H05) was detected within Unit A. Horizon H05

could correspond to an erosional surface (probably an erosional terrace) partly covered by sandwaves

deposits (Figure 4.10, Figure 4.11). The depth of Horizon H05 ranges between 119 ms bLAT (7 m

bsb) to 126 ms bLAT (3 m bsb). Below H05, Unit A is characterized by clinostratified to sub-horizontal

reflectors.

From KP 102.7 to KP 101.9, many small conic bodies, characterized by transparent acoustic facies

were detected at the top of Unit A, probably corresponding to biocostruction (Figure 4.15).

From KP 101.67 to KP 100.79 Unit A is characterised by a lenticular configuration delimited by a sharp

base and undulated top, probably due to the presence of sandwaves (Figure 4.16)

Unit A is characterized by variable thickness; along the route it shows two depocenters, one at the

start (KP 103.5) and one at the end (KP100.15) of the survey route.

The thickness of Unit A along the pipeline route is described in details in the Table 4.4:

Table 4.4: Thickness of Unit A along the TAP Pipeli ne Route.

Interval (from KP to KP) Thickness in m bsb Note

103.9 – 103.5 6 – 12 12 m is the first depocenter

103.5 – 103 12 – 2.5

103 – 102.7 2.5. - 4.5

102.7 – 102.4 4.5 – 1.5

102.4 -102.2 1.5 – 2.5

102.2 - 101.9 2.5 – 0.5 0.5 m is the minimum thickness

101.9 – 101.3 0.5 - 9

101.3 - 101.2 9 – 12.5 12.5m is the second depocenter

The base of Unit A is Horizon H10, which is a medium to high amplitude and continuous reflector and

has a depth that ranges between 7 m bsb (20 ms bLAT) and 12 m bsb (140 ms bLAT) as shown in the

Alignment Sheets (Appendix I). This reflector is an erosional surface that could have formed during the

sea level fall occurred during Pleistocene.

Unit B (H10 to H20)

Unit B can be divided in two sub-units, B1 and B2, delimited by an unconformity, Horizon H15.

Subunit B1, that goes from Horizon H10 to Horizon H15, is characterized by medium to high

amplitude, discontinuous reflectors and medium frequency.



The base af Subunit B1, Horizon 15, is a medium amplitude and continuous reflector and has a depth

that ranges between 10 m bsb (47 ms bLAT) to 3 m bsb (105 ms bLAT) as shown in Figure 4.12 and

the Alignment Sheets (Appendix I).

From Horizon H15 to Horizon H20, Subunit B2 is characterized by medium to high amplitude, medium

frequency and folded and faulted reflectors.

The folds system and the main faults detected in Subunit B2 are NW-SE oriented.

Unit B is composed by medium dense siliceous carbonate sandy SILT, probably upper-middle

Pleistocene in age (REF. 7).

The base of Unit B is Horizon H20, which has a low amplitude and frequency reflection and has a

depth that ranges between 34 m bsb (82 ms bLAT) and 59 m bsb (197 ms bLAT).

Unit C (H20 to the end of data)

Below Horizon H20, Unit B is characterized by low to medium amplitude, discontinuous reflectors and

low frequency.

This interval is expected to be comprised of SAND and calcareous GRAVEL and probably Low

Pleistocene in age (REF. 7)

From KP 102.4 to KP 101, Unit C is characterized by chaotic reflectors that probably indicating the

presence of a palaeo-landslide deposit (Figure 4.10; Figure 4.11).

Examples boomer data are shown in Figure 4.9 to Figure 4.16.



Figure 4.9: Example boomer data (Line TAPMCL) – Cen tre line TAPMCL_BOM_202.



Figure 4.10: Example boomer data (Line TAPMCL) – Ce ntre line TAPMCL_BOM_202.



Figure 4.11: Example of boomer data – Centre line TAPMCL_BOM_202.



Erosional Surface (H05)

Figure 4.12: Example of boomer data – Centre line TAPMCL_BOM_202.



Figure 4.13:Example of boomer data –TAPM13_BOM_201 with three boreholes.



Figure 4.14: Example of boomer data – APM13_BOM_20 1 with boroholes TAP 2019-2019a.



Figure 4.15: Example of boomer data – Line TAPM11_B OM_201 and DTM.



Figure 4.16: Example of Boomer data – Centre Line T APMCL_BOM_202 and DTM.



4.4 Shallow Geohazards and Installation Constrains

4.4.1 Cavity Survey

No cavities were recognized within the survey area.

4.4.2 Bioturbated Seabed:

From KP 103.1 to KP 101.87 the TAP Pipeline route runs on bioturbated sediments and

bioconstructions field.

4.4.3 Seismic Anomalies

No seismic anomalies were recognized within the survey area.

4.4.4 Fractures/Faults

Evidences of faults have not been detected within Unit A.

In Unit B the detected NW-SE, fold and fault system was correlated with the tectonic deformations

along the Salento region. This tectonic system corresponds to shallow faults that affect relatively thin

stratigraphic units and appears to be associated with folds that deform recent deposits. Several of the

faults associated with anticlines on the south Adriatic shelf propagate through Holocene deposits and

offset the seafloor. These faults show reduced vertical displacements, further decreasing to less than

1 m within Holocene units (REF 15).

4.4.5 Objects/Obstructions and Existing Infrastruct ures

No infrastructures were recognized close the pipeline route.



5 ROUTE DETAILS

The coordinates of the Proposed Pipeline Route (TAP Central 05) are listed in Table 5.1.

Table 5.1: Pipeline Route Coordinates

Pipeline Route Coordinates (Route: TAP Central 05)

Point Easting [m] Northing [m] Latitude [N] Longitude [E]

Albania LTE 363424.10 4517167.905 40°47'38.97104" 19°22'52.022 27"

TG’ V.1 360055.384 4516919.810 40°47'28.88698" 19°20'28.52890"

V.1 359052.238 4516919.810 40°47'28.26956" 19°19'45.74194"

TG”V.1 358296.377 4516182.280 40°47'03.89299" 19°19'14.10499"

TG’V.2 341668.231 4501582.280 40°38'59.72194" 19°07'38.27372"

V.2 339615.680 4499780.496 40°37'59.89299" 19°06'12.57566"

TG”V.2 337059.617 4498817.550 40°37'26.87974" 19°04'24.72171"

TG’V.3 334351.485 4497797.314 40°36'51.87254" 19°02'30.48434"

V.3 332498.795 4497099.350 40°36'27.90594" 19°01'12.35178"

TG”V.3 330519.921 4497159.959 40°36'28.41872" 18°59'48.13482"

TG’V.4 329500.554 4497191.181 40°36'28.67615" 18°59'04.75271"

V.4 328033.880 4497236.102 40°36'29.03861" 18°58'02.33 469"

TG”V.4 326596.675 4496940.140 40°36'18.36565" 18°57'01.50780"

TG’V.5 323961.341 4496397.449 40°35'58.77226" 18°55'09.98670"

V.5 319684.434 4495516.711 40°35'26.91108" 18°52'09.03954"

TG”V.5 316548.511 4492478.024 40°33'45.94900" 18°49'58.90117"

TG’V.6 309660.798 4485803.880 40°30'04.06260" 18°45'13.44 737"

V.6 307483.920 4483694.501 40°28'53.89649" 18°43'43.33761"

TG”V.6 304658.777 4482595.936 40°28'15.92150" 18°41'44.65576"

TG’V.7 304462.721 4482519.699 40°28'13.28482" 18°41'36.42087"

V.7 302109.956 4481604.820 40°27'41.63226" 18°39'57.61493"

TG”V.7 299585.778 4481636.961 40°27'40.49645" 18°38'10.48805"

TG’V.8 294807.256 4481697.808 40°27'38.27092" 18°34'47.69284"

V.8 293054.157 4481720.131 40°27'37.42953" 18°33'33.29535"

TG”V.8 291748.038 4480550.555 40°26'58.35775" 18°32'39.26772"

TG’V.9 290838.822 4479736.389 40°26'31.15493" 18°32'01.66815"

V.9 289897.071 4478893.089 40°26'02.97548" 18°31'22.73226"

TG”V.9 289532.230 4477682.742 40°25'23.42525" 18°31'08.70345"

TG’V.10 289216.194 4476634.301 40°24'49.16538" 18°30'56.55452"

V.10 288779.904 4475186.922 40°24'01.86885" 18°30'39.78833"

TG”V.10 287495.388 4474389.881 40°23'34.86700" 18°29'46.30436"

TG’V.11 285429.668 4473108.104 40°22'51.42955" 18°28'20.31798"

V.11 284405.194 4472472.419 40°22'29.88109" 18°27'37.68519"

TG”V.11 283783.035 4471439.675 40°21'55.83917" 18°27'12.58791"

TG’V.12 281803.532 4468153.825 40°20'07.51961" 18°25'52.78081"

V.12 281463.495 4467589.384 40°19'48.91089" 18°25'39.07896"

TG”V.12 280918.212 4467219.405 40°19'36.40930" 18°25'16.44989"

Italian LTE 277907.489 4465176.606 40°18'27.36051" 18°23'11.55007"



6 EQUIPMENT

6.1 Survey Vessels

The vessels used by Fugro Oceansismica S.p.A. for the Italian Nearshore Geophysical Survey of the

TAP Project were the RV ASTREA and MB Vector. Both the vessels were used for 12-hour

operations.

The main characteristics of these vessels are given below (Table 6.1; Table 6.2). These vessels

proved to be a stable platform from which to conduct geophysical operations.

Table 6.1: RV ASTREA Vessel Specifications

Type Passenger professional, pleasure

Flag Italy

Gross Tonnage 87.35

Length Overall 23.78 m

Breadth 5.90 m

Maximum Draft 2.86 m

Table 6.2: MB Vector Specifications

Type Fiberglass boat

Flag Italy

Length 5.5 m

Breadth 2.3 m

Maximum Draft ~1.75 m

Equipment list mobilized on board of RV ASTREA and MB Vector are presented in Table 6.1 and

Table 6.2.

6.2 Survey Equipment – RV Astrea

All the survey equipment as agreed in the scope of work was installed on board of RV ASTREA.

The equipment utilized to carry out the survey is shown in Table 6.3.

Table 6.3: RV ASTREA Equipment

Positioning RTK Leica GPS 1200 and Starfix 8200 HP positioning with Fugro Starfix.Seis navigation suite

SBES Odom Echotrac CV 200

Gyro compass and MRU Anschutz Standard 22

MBES Hull mounted Kongsberg EM 2040

SBES Odom Echotrac CV 200; GLog/GPlot acquisition system

MRU Anschutz Standard 22



SSS Edgetech 4200SF towel fish

SBP Datasonics 3710 Pole mounted 4 transceiver + Triton SB Logger

USBL Link Quest

Boomer Applied Acoustic Boomer + Applied Acoustic CSPUnit + Applied Acoustic ministreamer + Triton SB Logger

SVP CTD Sea – Bird Electronic SBE 911 plus

Nav Processing 1 PC with Starfix Suite 9.1 for Nav Proc

MBES Processing 1 PC with CARIS

6.2.1 Surface Positioning

Leica GPS 1200 dual-frequency, geodetic, real time kinematic receiver was used as primary

positioning system and HP Starfix 8200 was used as secondary positioning system.

The navigation systems were reliable and performed within specifications.

Operational parameters for the equipment used during the survey are given in the following

paragraph.

The position was sent to the Starfix.Seis Version 10.1 navigation software and was logged during the

acquisition of the survey.

The Starfix Suite software performed all the usual navigation tasks and generated fix marks during the

acquisition (50 metres interval distance); in addition the software was used to QC the navigation data.

6.2.2 Heading

Heading values were provided by an Anschutz Standard 22 motion reference unit interfaced with the

online navigation suite

6.2.3 Single Beam Echo Sounder

The RV ASTREA was equipped with an Odom Hydrotrac single beam echo sounder, set to operate

with a frequency of at 200 kHz. The same frequency was configured in Starfix.Seis and recorded

during the survey. The single beam echo sounder data were acquired along all the lines.

The echo sounder transducer was mounted on keel of the vessel. Transducer depth (draft) was

measured and the value was inserted into the echo sounder recording unit. The horizontal offsets of

the transducer from the navigation antenna were also measured and inputted into Starfix.Seis

navigation software, which calculated true positions for each reading. The accuracy of the draft and

offsets were checked periodically.

The echo sounder was calibrated using an average speed of sound derived from a CTD Sea – Bird

Electronic SBE 911 plus probe measurements undertaken during the survey. These velocities were

applied throughout all the acquisition in the survey area.



SBES bathymetric data were corrected for heave and the corrected depths recorded digitally by

Starfix.Seis navigation software and on the echo sounder trace.

Each trace was annotated at start and end of each survey line with line name and relevant details.

Marks detailing fix number and time were annotated each 10 m distance.

Single beam echo sounder data were printed on-line. SBES main parameters are reported below:

• Frequency: 33-200 kHz

• Scale: 0-80 m

• Y Offset from CRP: -1.670 m

• X Offset from CRP: +0.710 m

• Z Offset from CRP: -2.266 m

6.2.4 Multibeam Echo Sounder

Swathe bathymetry was acquired using a Kongsberg EM 2040 multibeam echo sounder operating

with a frequency of 200-400 kHz. This system comprises of 400 individual beams in a swath corridor

with a width up to 2 times the measured water depth.

Odom Hydrotrac single beam echo sounder data indicates that depth accuracy of each system meets

specification. During the post-processing phase, noise spikes and data gaps due to positioning jumps

were removed from data.

Multibeam echo sounder parameters are reported below:

• Frequency: 200 kHz to 400 kHz

• Beam width: 1*10 at 400kHz

• Max ping rate: 50 Hz

• Swath Coverage: 130° (single head) / 200° (dual he ad)

• Sounding patterns:Equiangular, equidistant and high density

• Number of Beams: 400

• No of sounding per ping: 400 (single head, single swath), 800 (single head, dual swath), 1600

(dual head, dual swath)

• Roll stabilized beams: +/- 150

• Pich stabilized beams: +/- 100

• Pulse length: 25 µs to 12 ms

• X Offset to CRP: -0.155 m

• Y Offset to CRP: +3.112 m

• Z Offset to CRP: -2.616 m

Sound velocity calibration is of primary importance both for SBES and MBES systems in order to

provide the necessary accuracy. RV ASTREA is equipped with a CTD Sea – Bird Electronic SBE 911

plus probe which measure salinity, temperature and depth (pressure). Data are downloaded by means



of a software package that computes sound velocity for each depth interval and these profiles are then

entered into the multibeam and single beam systems to correct ray bending.

6.2.5 Motion Compensation

Primary motion compensation was provided by a Anschutz Standard 22 motion reference unit. The

MRU was interfaced to the online navigation system in order to provide precise roll, pitch and heave

measurements to enable the motion compensation of multibeam and single beam echo sounder

systems.

The MRU achieves the high reliability and precision motion measurements by using solid state

sensors with no moving parts and a proven electrical and mechanical construction.

6.2.6 Sound Velocity Profiler

In order to calibrate the single beam and multibeam echo sounders, SVP measurements were

undertaken during the survey using a CTD Sea – Bird Electronic SBE 911 plus. The corrected speed

of sound was applied to the single beam and multibeam echo sounder to have true bathymetric

readings. (Table 7.2).

The acoustic velocity profiles are presented in Appendix A.

6.2.7 Side Scan Sonar

Seabed Features data were acquired using a Discovery side scan sonar dual frequency towfish with

its transceiver unit.

The side scan fish was towed from the vessel stern. As positioning system for tow fish, the Starfix

Variable Offset alogoritm was used. In order to achieve the maximum accuracy of positioning, cable

length, water depth and towfish altitude values were applied in the system.

The SSS equipment was linked to navigation system by its proper acquisition System. Side scan

sonar data were recorded in digital XTF.

SSS operational Data

The range used was 25 m per channel, to ensure a minimum 100% coverage. The overlap between

lines is 25 m. The recommended height for best performance on a normal seabed is 10% of the range

used.

The side scan sonar records were examined for targets and for the general level of back scattering

from the seabed. The SSS operated at a frequency of 100/400 kHz.

Operating characteristics and offsets of the Discovery side scan sonar are reported (Reference point

CRP antenna):

• Frequency: 100-400 kHz low/high frequency



• Range: 25 m

• Altitude: about 10% of Range

• Cable out: 5-90 m

• X Offset from CRP: 0.000 m

• Coverage 100% of the entire route corridor

6.2.8 Sub-Bottom Profiler

A Datasonics 3710 sub-bottom profiler system was used for the detailed investigation of the shallow

soils. The system transmitted with a frequency of 3.5 kHz.

The equipment was mounted on a pole over the starboard side of the vessel and is fitted with a

Anschutz Standard 22heave compensator.

The SBP equipment was linked to Navigation system by the GLog/GPlot System. The GLog/GPlot

digital acquisition system was used throughout the survey. Sub-bottom profiler data were recorded in

digital SEG-Y format.

SBP operational Data

The Sub-bottom profiler system was used for the detailed investigation of the shallow sub-bottom

sediments. Operating characteristics and offsets of the sub-bottom profiler are reported below:

• Trigger delay: variable

• Range: 250 ms

• Frequency: 3.5 kHz

• Rate shot: 300 ms

• Y Offset from CRP: -1.670 m

• X Offset from CRP: +2.530

• Z Offset from CRP: -2.630 m

6.2.9 Boomer

A Boomer source was used to acquire shallow single channel seismic data. The system consisted of

an Applied Acoustic multi tip source, a CSP 1500 Applied Acoustic power supply and a 10 element

single channel mini-streamer as a receiver.

The GLog/GPlot digital acquisition system was used throughout the survey. Boomer data were

recorded in digital SEG-Y format. The system was operated using the following parameters:

• Power 300 J

• Range 300 ms

• Rate shot: 700 ms

• Delay 0 ms

• Filter Frequency: Low 500 Hz

High 2000 Hz



6.2.10 Sediment Sampling (Day Grab)

The sediment sampling equipment operated on the MV ASTREA consisted of a Day Grab and Double

Day Grab which will be deployed from stern of the vessel.

Twenty- sampling stations will be performed during the survey for a total amount of 20 grabs.

In those twenty stations will be performed: physical sediment analysis) macroscopic aspect,

granulometry and mineralogy); chemical sediment analysis and microbiological sediment analysis.

6.2.11 Underwater Video Camera

The OE 14 208 Underwater Camera system will be utilized on site to confirm the presence of

Posidonia in the areas. The camera will be towed from stern of the vessel.

The camera will be operated from the surface via a KLevlar sheathed umbilical, with the software

allowing control over every aspect of the camera from shutter speed and aperture width, to advanced

settings such as flash intensity, fixed focal lengths, auto bracketing and macro shots.

6.3 Survey Equipment – MB Vector

All the survey equipment as agreed in the scope of work was installed on board of MB Vector.

The equipment utilized to carry out the survey is shown in Table 6.4

Table 6.4: MB Vector Equipment

Positioning RTK Leica GPS1200 with Fugro Starfix.Seis navigation suite

SBES Odom Echotrac CV 200


Leica GPS 1200 real time kinematic receiver was used as positioning system on board of MB Vector.

Positioning was provided using a unit and managed by Starfix.Seis navigation software.

The navigation systems was proved as reliable and performed within specifications.

The position was sent to the Starfix.Seis Version 10.1 navigation software and was logged during the

acquisition of the survey.


MB Vector was equipped with a Odom Echotrac CV 200 kHz single beam echo sounder, set to

operate at 200 kHz. The frequency was configured in Starfix.Seis and recorded during the survey. The

single beam echo sounder data were acquired along all the lines.



The echo sounder transducer was mounted over the starboard side of the vessel. Transducer depth

(draft) was measured for input to the echo sounder. The horizontal offsets of the transducer from the

navigation antenna were also measured and inputted into Starfix.Seis navigation software, which

calculated true positions in correspondence with each reading. The accuracy of the draft and offsets

were checked periodically. The echo sounder was calibrated using an average speed of sound

derived from SVP measurements undertaken during the RV ASTREA survey. These velocities were

applied throughout the survey area. Bathymetric data were corrected for heave and the corrected

depths recorded digitally by Starfix.Seis navigation software and on the echo sounder trace. Single

beam echo sounder data were printed on-line.

6.4 Analogue Instrument Offsets

The instrument offsets are presented in the Table 6.5. Horizontal offsets were referenced to the CRP

position. Vertical offsets were referenced to the sea level. All equipment offsets were measured using

the Leica Total station from a benchmark on the quay.

Table 6.5: Instrument Offsets relative to the CRP p osition

RV ASTREA

Device description X [m] [+ve Starboard]

Y [m] [+ve Forward Z [m] [+ve Downwards]

CRP (Central Reference Point) 0.000 m 0.000 m 0.000 m

MRU 0.00m 0.00m 0.0m0

RTK Leica GPS 1200 I NAV -0.230 m 4.330 m 9.040 m

MBES-Kongsberg EM 2040 -0.155 m 3.112 m -2.616 m

SBES Odom Echotrac CV 200 0.710m -1.670 m -2.266 m

Anschutz Standard 22 Gyro 0.610 m 4.530 m 6.170 m

Side scan sonar (SSS) -0.950 m -10.730 VO Manual

Sub-bottom profiler (SBP) 2.530 m -1.670 m -2.630 m

Boomer +1.200 m -9.730 m 0.00 m

MB Vector

Device description X [m] [+ve Starboard]

Y [m] [+ve Forward Z [m] [+ve Downwards]

RTK Leica 1200 0.000 m 0.000 m 0.000 m

SBES Odom Hydrotrac 0.000 m 0.000 m -2.3 m

GPS -1.25 m 0.430 m 0.000 m

Diagram showing the analogue equipment offsets relative to CRP (Central Reference point) and

equipment layout of RV ASTREA are presented in Figure 6.1 and Figure 6.2



Figure 6.1: Instrument Offsets – RV ASTREA

Figure 6.2: Configuration of equipment on board – R V ASTREA



7 SURVEY OPERATIONS

7.1 Operations Summary:

RV ASTREA and MB Vector were used by Fugro Oceansismica S.p.A. between 15 December 2013

and 05 January 2014 to perform the Italian Nearshore Geophysical Survey of the Statoil Pipeline

survey.

The mobilisation of the RV ASTREA took place from 16 to 18 December 2013, as the mobilisation of

MB Vector took place on 24 December 2013. Both the vessels were mobilized in Otranto harbour.

During the mobilization all instruments were tested and GPS/DGPS and gyro compass calibrations

were performed

On 21 December, after the multibeam calibration the RV ASTREA acquisition started with SSS, SBP

and MBES.

A complete report of multibeam echo sounder calibration is given in Appendix B.

The nearshore geophysical acquisition with RV ASTREA start on 22 December.

On 24 and 25 December, MB Vector acquired SBES data in the surf zone.

Demobilization of MB Vector took place on 25 December in Otranto harbour.

The nearshore geophysical acquisition with RV ASTREA end on 04 January.

The nearshore geophysical demobilization and environmental mobilization of RV ASTREA took place

on 05 January in Otranto harbour.

During the survey seven SVP measurements were undertaken in order to check the value of the

speed of sound in the water.

Full details of operations can be found in the Daily Progress Reports, Appendix C.

7.2 Calibrations

The following calibrations and checks were performed in Otranto harbour:

• DGPS Health check

• DGPS verification to a known point

• Side scan sonar rub-testing

• Sub-bottom profilers testing alongside

On 21 December, the following calibrations were performed on site:

• SVP and CTD profile



• MBES echo sounder calibration (Details are given in Appendix B)

• Test line acquisition and quick QC check to confirm that acquired data meet requirements

within the scope of work

• MBES calibration lines.


Leica1200 GPS RTK and Fugro Starfix 8200HP were used for positioning throughout the survey.

On 21 December calibrations and measurements were performed by FUGRO personnel and land

surveyors against official benchmarks on the harbour, using a LEICA total station and a reflector

installed on the Leica RTK antenna on board.

The readings from the benchmark and the data logged into the navigation system gave an absolute

difference of 0.02 m, which is in the range of the RTK system error.

Coordinates of benchmarks and reference station are listed in Table 7.1

Table 7.1: Coordinates of benchmarks and reference station

Geographical coordinates WGS84 Metric coordinates

WGS84 UTM 34 Elevation (m)

Benchmark

Latitude Longitude Northing Easting Ellipsoidal Geodetic

SF01 40° 18’ 38.12165’’ 18° 23’ 33.58711’’ 4465493.1 1 278437.52 39.16 0.57

SF02 40° 18’ 50.98323’’ 18° 23’ 14.99961’’ 4465902.6 7 278010.43 42.43 3.84

SF03 40° 19’ 00.90719’’ 18° 23’ 04.65721’’ 4466215.9 1 277775.33 42.51 3.92

SF04 40° 18’ 46.49797’’ 18° 23’ 04.65721’’ 4465769.0 3 277848.08 53.53 15.94

SF05 40° 18’ 46.23936’’ 18° 23’ 08.22553’’ 4465763.9 1 277847.36 48.720

Details of reference benchmarks used for the gyro compass and positioning system calibrations

(Benchmarks) are given in Appendix B.

The readings of the RTK against Total station and the comparison between the first (Leica 1200 RTK)

and the second (Fugro Starfix HP 8200) positioning systems are detailed in Appendix B.


The first MBES calibration was performed on 21 December 2013. The calibration was performed over

an area with a break of slope close to the survey area at the following coordinates:

The computed calibration parameters are shown in the following table (Table 7.2).

Table 7.2: EM 2040 Multibeam Calibration Results

Calibration Date

Motion Sensor Pitch Error ( ° ) Roll Error ( ° ) Heading Error ( ° )

21/12/13 Anschutz Standard 22 -0.7 -1.5 -0.8



MBES Calibration lines have to be performed in order to remove possible device head installation

misalignments and processors time delay. Calibration lines must be performed following a given

acquisition geometry and over a proper seafloor, in order to allow spatial misalignments and time

delay detection.

Time, pitch and yaw calibration lines must be run over a target on the seabed while roll calibration

lines must be run over a flat seabed.

If, in case of misalignments and delays, the target or seabed are detected in different ways by the

calibration lines, then angles (pitch, roll, yaw) and delays (time) that cause the differences must be

corrected by the calibration procedure.

Calibration values computation was performed by means of Starfix Suite acquisition and processing

software using calibration lines.

The calibration parameters are the results of the calibration procedure and they were used to set the

real time acquisition software before the beginning of the survey.

The results are reported in Appendix A.

7.2.3 Acoustic Velocity

Four (4) acoustic velocity measurements were carried out prior to the commencement and during the

survey in order to calibrate the single beam and multibeam echo sounders. Results are shown in the

following (Table 7.3).

Table 7.3: Mean Acoustic Velocity as determined fro m SVP measurement

Name Easting [m] Northing [m] Latitude [N] Longitude [E]

Max Water Depth [m]

Mean Velocity [m/s]

211213_7.00 2800633 4465790 40° 18' 49.30'' 18° 24' 42.00" 48.9 1509.24

221213_7.00 279952 4466584 40° 19' 14.90'' 18° 24' 36.33" 61.1 1509.90

221213_15.00 281954 4468155 40° 20' 07.72'' 18° 25' 59.19" 81.7 1511.91

040114_7.30 281815 4468234 40° 20' 10'' 18° 25' 53" 62 1512.65

Details of acoustic velocity profiles are presented in Appendix B.



7.3 Data Reduction and Processing

7.3.1 Positioning and Navigation

All raw DGPS data were edited to remove erroneous fixes. No smoothing filters were applied to the

position data during acquisition.

The antenna position was corrected to the vessel common reference point position during the

acquisition of data using measured offsets. The position of the antenna during the acquisition was

corrected for layback of side scan sonar by applying the offset along the vessel track.

Real time logging of navigation and bathymetric sounding (water depth) data was acquired using

Fugro’s Starfix.Seis navigation system.

The processing of the acquired navigation data was carried out using the Starfix.Proc software.

Data were processed using offsets from the vessel datum for all sensors.

Sounding (water depth) data were processed at multibeam and echo sounder transducer positions (x,

y and z).

7.3.2 Bathymetry - Tides

The bathymetry data were reduced to LAT in order to carry out a final interpretation of the seafloor

during the survey operations. During the on board bathymetry processing, the predicted tidal values

were applied.


The single beam echo sounder data were processed and stored in XYZ format then converted to

binary format for gridding and contouring.

The echo sounder was interfaced to the navigation system, which computed the position of each

sounding using the offset. The bathymetric data were monitored and checked against the echo

sounder paper records to confirm the data accuracy.


Vertical datum for bathymetric data is Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT) and the predicted tides were

applied.

Data were processed using the Caris. The field processing sequences are reported in Appendix G


Data were digitally recorded in digital format (.xtf) onto hard disk using the Discovery software of

acquisition.



The *.xtf files were played back using Sonar Wiz 5 where a full QC of each line was carried out. At the

same time, data were analysed and checked for discrete sonar contacts.

The records were corrected for slant-range distortion before the interpretation and the main target are

presented on the Bathy-morphological Chart (Appendix I).

The side scan sonar records were examined both for significant targets and for the general level of

backscatter from the seabed. The nature of the seabed sediments was interpreted from the acoustic

facies, i.e. the textural appearance combined with the acoustic reflectivity of the sonar records. The

tag files containing the good interpretation from individual sonar.

7.3.6 Sub-Bottom Profiler/Boomer

Data were recorded in digital format (seg-y).

The sub-bottom profiler and Boomer data were examined for significant horizons. For interpretation of

the SBP and Boomer data an assumed acoustic velocity of 1600 m/s (considered reasonable for the

interpreted sediment types) within shallow sediments was used in the conversion from two-way

reflection time to depth. All the dataset was interpreted with the Kingdom-32 software (Version 8.6

Seismic Micro Technology).

7.4 Accuracy of Navigation, Bathymetric and Seabe d Data

7.4.1 Positioning and Navigation

The RTK and Starfix.HP systems performed well throughout the survey. The number of available

satellites may affect the data accuracy; the minimum quality is four satellites. The accuracy for the

RTK Leica GPS 1200+ (Primary system) is >0.05 m and for the Starfix 8200HP (Secondary system) is

>0.2 m.

7.4.2 Bathymetry

The single beam and multibeam echo sounder data were good throughout the survey, but several

factors influence the accuracy of the bathymetric data. Errors in the depth measurement can result

from:

• Variations in sound velocity

• Weather effects

• Instrument accuracy (0.2% of depth)

• Vessel movement

• Morphology of seabed

Further details about tide gauge deployment and calibration are given in Appendix B.

The bathymetric data were reduced to LAT, during acquisition, to allow a field interpretation and

reporting.



The single beam and multibeam echo sounder data were processed and stored in XYZ format to be

used for gridding and contouring.


The quality of the side scan sonar data was good. The lateral resolution of the 300 kHz dual frequency

data is approximately 0.2-0.3 m. Obstructions smaller than the resolution of the sonar may not have

been detected.

Height of seabed obstructions estimated from the side scan sonar data are considered to have an

accuracy of 0.2-0.3 m. Seabed features smaller than those values cannot be detected The positional

accuracy of features, interpreted from the side scan sonar data, depends on a combination of the

vessel positioning, acoustic positioning of the towfish relative to the vessel and interpretation of

position relative to the towfish. For this dataset the overall positional accuracy is estimated as ± 5 m.

7.5 Accuracy of Sub Seabed Data

7.5.1 Horizontal Accuracy

• Positional accuracy of sub-seabed data is dependent on several factors:

• Accuracy in position of vessel

• Motion of vessel

• Accuracy in position of towed equipment

• Horizontal resolution of seismic data

A reflection on seismic data is produced from an area rather than a single point. This area is called the

Fresnel Zone. The radius of the Fresnel Zone can be calculated from the frequency of the seismic

data and provides an estimate of the horizontal accuracy of the seismic data at different depths.

The minimum line spacing is approximately 5 m for the along tracks and approximately 50 m for the

across tracks; sub-seabed features smaller than those values and present between the lines may not

have been detected. Depths and positions of soil layers between survey lines are based on

interpolation, the reliability of which depends on the complexity of the geology.

The sub-seabed depths were estimated using an assumed acoustic velocity of 1600 m/s, which is

considered reasonable for the interpreted sediment types, but has not been calibrated. The accuracy

of depth estimates depends on the vertical resolution of the data and the acoustic velocity used to

convert two-way reflection times to depth and is considered to be approximately ±1% of sub-seabed

depth.



7.5.2 Vertical Accuracy

Sub-bottom profiler

A useful acoustic penetration of about 6 ms or approximately 5 m below seabed was generally

achieved over the survey area. The vertical resolution of the data is estimated as 0.5 m for sub-bottom

profiler; soil layers thinner than this may not have been detected.

Boomer

The penetration of the Boomer dataset is limited to approximately 45 ms or approximately 36 m below

seabed with the vertical resolution of the data estimated as 1.5 m; soil layers thinner than this may not

have been detected.



8 DATA INDEX

8.1 Digital Report Delivery



8.2 Chart Index

Drawing No. Description KP Range Scale

OPL00-FOC-150-Y-DYG-0003-01 rev.0A Bathy-morphological chart 104.92-99.54 1:5000

OPL00-FOC-150-Y-DYG-0004-01 rev.0A Hill shade with sea bed features 104.92-99.54 1:5000

OPL00-FOC-150-Y-DYG-0005-01 rev.0A Backscatter with seabed features targets

104.92-99.54 1:5000

OPL00-FOC-150-Y-DYG-0006-01 rev.0A SSS mosaic with seabed features 104.92-99.54 1:5000

OPL00-FOC-150-Y-DYG-0007-01 rev.0A Isopach of Interpreted Units

(Boomer data) (H10) 104.92-99.54 1:5000

OPL00-FOC-150-Y-DYG-0007-02 rev.0A Isopach of Interpreted Units

(Boomer data) (H20) 104.92-99.54 1:5000

OPL00-FOC-150-Y-DYG-0008-01 rev.0A Interpreted Profile (Boomer data) 103.90-100.14 1:5000

OPL00-FOC-150-Y-DYG-0009-01 rev.0A Alignment sheet A 1 04.24-102.28 1:5000

OPL00-FOC-150-Y-DYG-0009-02 rev.0A Alignment sheet B 1 02.66-100.27 1:5000



8.3 Target Listing Index

No iron-magnetometric and anthropogenic targets were recognized within the survey area.


OPL00 – FOC – 150 Y TRG – 001 –Rev 0B Appendices

APPENDICES


OPL00 – FOC – 150 Y TRG – 001 –Rev 0B Appendix A

A. GEODETIC PARAMETERS


OPL00 – FOC – 150 Y TRG – 001 –Rev 0B Appendix B

B. CALIBRATIONS


OPL00 – FOC – 150 Y TRG – 001 –Rev 0B Appendix C

C. SURVEY LOGS


OPL00 – FOC – 150 Y TRG – 001 –Rev 0B Appendix D

D. DAILY PROGRESS REPORTS


OPL00 – FOC – 150 Y TRG – 001 –Rev 0B Appendix E

E. VESSEL SPECIFICATIONS


OPL00 – FOC – 150 Y TRG – 001 –Rev 0B Appendix F

F. DETAILED EQUIPMENT


OPL00 – FOC – 150 Y TRG – 001 –Rev 0B Appendix G

G. MBES PROCESSING


OPL00 – FOC – 150 Y TRG – 001 –Rev 0B Appendix H

H. SERVICE WARRANTY


OPL00 – FOC – 150 Y TRG – 001 –Rev 0B Appendix I

I. CHARTS

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