Romania’s Neptun Deep offshore development is expected to deliver its first gas into the national transmission system during the first half of 2027, according to an updated timetable announced by OMV Petrom and Romgaz on 28 September.

The companies expect production to increase gradually after start-up, reaching a plateau by the end of the third quarter. At that level, the project is forecast to produce approximately eight billion cubic metres annually. The development budget remains around €4 billion.

The update narrows the previously announced 2027 start-up window. It remains a company forecast, with drilling, integration and commissioning work still required before commercial operations can begin.

Seven of ten development wells have been completed, and the Neptun Alpha production platform has been installed. The partners say remaining work includes further drilling, integration of subsea infrastructure, connections to the transport pipeline and comprehensive testing.

OMV Petrom operates the project, which it owns equally with Romgaz. Each partner will market its share of production separately. OMVPetrom.com

The timetable builds on a substantial offshore installation programme launched earlier this year. In May, the companies announced the start of work on the approximately 160-kilometre pipeline carrying gas from the production platform to the Romanian coast.

That infrastructure connects offshore production with an onshore metering and control station at Tuzla, where gas will enter the national network. The development encompasses the Pelican South and Domino fields, with subsea systems linking the wells to the platform.

The May construction announcement described a fleet of approximately 50 vessels supporting the offshore programme, including specialised pipelayers, supply ships and underwater installation equipment. Those earlier details illustrate the scale of the work underlying the latest production forecast. omvpetrom.com

For Romania and neighbouring energy markets, the distinction between first gas and full production matters. Initial deliveries will be followed by testing and a gradual increase in output, rather than an immediate arrival of the project’s full annual capacity.

The regional significance lies in the prospect of an additional source of gas produced within the European Union. Its commercial effect will depend on reliable operation, transport capacity and the contracts through which the partners sell their output.

For now, the next decisive milestone is operational: completing the remaining systems and demonstrating that they can deliver gas safely and consistently into Romania’s transmission network.