News

The independent natural gas transmission operator ICGB, in cooperation with the transmission system operators (TSOs) of Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine, is prepared to launch two new cross-border capacity products: Route 2 and Route 3. These strategic gas transmission routes will enhance regional energy security and provide additional direct access from northern Greece to Ukraine, with connectivity to Alexandroupolis LNG and the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) systems.

ICGB, the independent operator of the Greece-Bulgaria interconnector (IGB), has obtained a construction permit for Lot 1 of its planned capacity expansion project - from 3 to 5 billion cubic meters per year (bcm/y). Issued by the Bulgarian Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, the permit covers the upgrade of the gas metering station near the Bulgarian city of Stara Zagora.

This key step enables ICGB to move forward with the procedure for selecting an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor. Once selected, the EPC contractor will be tasked with installing additional filtration and gas pre-heating equipment, as well as building pressure reduction and metering lines at the Stara Zagora gas metering station. The Lot 1 upgrade will allow the gas metering station to accommodate higher flows (up to 5 bcm/y) while maintaining full safety and operational compliance.

A public procurement procedure has been launched with a subject-matter: "Periodic deliveries of special workwear for the needs of ICGB AD"

The subject of the procurement includes periodic deliveries upon the request of the Contracting Entity, including branding of various types of special, protective and safety workwear, described by types, quality and technical characteristics in the Technical Specification of the Contracting Entity, part of the tender documentation. The total period during which the Contracting Entity may request deliveries of quantities of goods under the contract including an option, is 36 (thirty-six) months. 

In connection with a launched public procurement procedure with the subject-matter “Supply of valves, linear part, for the needs of the IGB gas pipeline", ICGB AD prolongs the deadline for submission of offers.

ICGB, the independent transmission system operator of the Greece-Bulgaria interconnector (IGB pipeline), has successfully implemented the Damas MMS:G commercial dispatching system* as part of its ongoing digital transformation strategy. The introduction of the platform marks a significant step in automating the full scope of ICGB’s commercial and operational processes, strengthening the company’s capacity to manage cross-border gas flows with efficiency, reliability, and transparency.

On July 17, ICGB - the independent natural gas transmission system operator of the Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria - carried out an emergency response simulation in the wider Komotini area. 

The main objective of the exercise was to assess the readiness and efficiency of the emergency repair contractor for the IGB pipeline on Greek territory, the performance of ICGB’s operational teams in Greece, as well as to test the coordination protocols with the relevant national authorities. The focus was on resource deployment, reaction speed, and the coordination of actions on site, in line with the procedures set out in the company’s Emergency Response Plan. 

In connection with a launched public procurement procedure with the subject-matter "Performance of Emergency Repairs on Mechanical - Technological and Electrical Parts of The IGB Gas Pipeline, Greek Section", ICGB AD prolongs the deadline for submission of offers.

New deadline for submission of offers: 23:59 on 01.08.2025 via the CAIS EPP platform functionalities.

The independent transmission operator ICGB will run annual auctions for the available capacity of the Greece–Bulgaria gas interconnector on 7 July for firm products and 21 July for interruptible products.

Capacity at the interconnection point (IP) with TAP and the IP with DESFA will be marketed on the platform PRISMA, while the Stara Zagora IP with Bulgartransgaz will be marketed on the Regional Booking Platform (RBP).

ICGB will offer firm products covering the next 5 consecutive gas years. Entry capacity at the IP with DESFA and the IP with the Trans-Adriatic pipeline (TAP) will be offered on a competing basis.

Interruptible reverse (virtual) capacity will be offered for 1 gas year (2025/2026) only at the IP with Bulgartransgaz (entry) and the IP with TAP (exit).