--- title: Automatic welding by Avax on 48 km of 36-inch IGB gas pipeline description: Successfully completed 48 km of 36-inch gas pipeline welding in Greece with AVAX, demonstrating Qapqa’s expertise in large-scale pipeline welding projects. --- [info@qapqa.com](mailto:info@qapqa.com)[Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/qapqa/)[+31 (0) 321 38 66 77](tel:+31(0)321386677)[Contact us](https://qapqa.com/contact-us/) [Contact us](https://qapqa.com/contact-us/)[info@qapqa.com](mailto:info@qapqa.com)[+31 (0) 321 386 677](tel:+31(0)321386677)[Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/qapqa/)[YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@QapqaGroup) [![Qapqa-logo-CMYK\_incl JS kleur](https://qapqa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Qapqa-logo-CMYK_incl%20JS%20kleur.png?width=1894&height=816&name=Qapqa-logo-CMYK_incl%20JS%20kleur.png "Qapqa-logo-CMYK_incl JS kleur")](https://qapqa.com/) [![Qapqa joining solutions automatic welding technology logo grey orange](https://qapqa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Qapqa-logo-CMYK_incl%20JS%20kleur.png?width=1894&height=816&name=Qapqa-logo-CMYK_incl%20JS%20kleur.png "Qapqa joining solutions automatic welding technology logo grey orange")](https://qapqa.com/) - [Services](https://qapqa.com/services) - [Equipment](https://qapqa.com/equipment) - [Projects](https://qapqa.com/references/) - [Reference letters](https://qapqa.com/reference-letters) - [Solutions](https://qapqa.com/solutions/) - [Industries](https://qapqa.com/industries) - [News](https://qapqa.com/news-events) - [About us](https://qapqa.com/about-us/) [Contact](https://qapqa.com/contact-us/) [Contact](https://qapqa.com/contact-us/) - [Services](https://qapqa.com/services) - [Equipment](https://qapqa.com/equipment) - [Projects](https://qapqa.com/references/) - [Reference letters](https://qapqa.com/reference-letters) - [Solutions](https://qapqa.com/solutions/) - [Industries](https://qapqa.com/industries) - [News](https://qapqa.com/news-events) - [About us](https://qapqa.com/about-us/) [Contact](https://qapqa.com/contact-us/) # Avax - Gas Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria ![Company](https://qapqa.com/hubfs/svg-gobbler.svg) **Company:** AVAX Company: AVAX ![Type](https://qapqa.com/hubfs/svg-gobbler%20(3).svg) **Type:** Gas pipeline Type: Gas pipeline ![Country](https://qapqa.com/hubfs/svg-gobbler%20(1).svg) **Country:** Greece Country: Greece ![pipeline project](https://qapqa.com/hubfs/Qapqa_April2024/images/svg-gobbler%20(6).svg) **Project:** Gas Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB) Project: Gas Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB) ![svg-gobbler (2)](https://qapqa.com/hubfs/svg-gobbler%20(2).svg) **Material:** X65 Material: X65 ![Client](https://qapqa.com/hubfs/svg-gobbler%20(4).svg) **Client:** ICGB Client: ICGB ![diameter icon](https://qapqa.com/hubfs/diameter%20icon.svg) **Diameter:** 32" **WT:** 11 mm Diameter: 32" WT: 11 mm ![distance](https://qapqa.com/hubfs/Qapqa_April2024/images/svg-gobbler%20(5).svg) **Distance:** 185 km Distance: 185 km Characteristics - Automatic welding of the root-pass with GMAW-RMD without copper backing. - Filling/capping with Advanced Pulse (P-GMAW). - Steep slope sections welded with mechanized FCAW. ## AVAX built the IGB Gas Pipeline in Greece In 2022, **AVAX**, under contract to **ICGB**, completed its scope on the **Gas Interconnector Greece–Bulgaria (IGB)**. This strategic **European energy project** links **Komotini (Greece)** with **Stara Zagora (Bulgaria)**, diversifying natural gas supply and strengthening **regional energy security** across Southeast Europe. ## About AVAX **AVAX S.A.** is a leading Greek engineering and construction group delivering **large-scale energy and infrastructure projects** across Europe and the Middle East. The company combines **EPC capability**, rigorous **HSE** practices, and advanced construction technologies to achieve **safe, high-quality, and on-schedule** delivery. ## IGB Gas Pipeline (Greece Section) The **IGB Pipeline** is a cross-border interconnector with a total route of **~182 km**, of which **~31 km lie in Greece** and the remainder in Bulgaria. Built with **X65 steel**, **32-inch diameter** pipe and **11 mm wall thickness**, the system ties into the **DESFA network and TAP** near Komotini, enabling Azeri gas and global LNG to reach Bulgaria and the wider region. AVAX executed the EPC contract for **design, procurement, construction and commissioning** of the interconnector, delivering the Greek section and cross-border facilities to commercial operation on **1 October 2022**. - Total interconnector length: **~182 km** (approx. **31 km in Greece**) - Construction [during the COVID-19 pandemic,](https://www.in.gr/2022/04/05/english-edition/igb-greece-bulgaria-pipeline-final-stretch/) handling severe supply chain disruptions and workforce illness to complete critical works efficiently. - Engineered through challenging terrain in the Rhodope Mountains, including near a large dam, demanding specialized execution. - Facilitated administrative coordination for finishing works like access roads and erosion control through ICGB-government taskforces. **AVAX implemented the [PWT XCS automatic welding system](https://qapqa.com/equipment/xcs-welding-system/) on the IGB pipeline for ICGB**, delivering automated, high-precision welding with consistent weld quality for this vital cross-border energy route. This advanced **gas pipeline in Greece** secures diversified supply for Bulgaria and neighboring markets by connecting the **Southern Gas Corridor** and LNG import routes to the Balkan grid. By combining **AVAX’s EPC expertise** with **automated welding**, the IGB project enhances European energy resilience, supports local jobs and skills, and demonstrates Greece’s capacity to deliver **world-class energy infrastructure**. References: [AVAX – IGB Project Page](https://avax.gr/en/ta-erga-mas/kataskevi-tou-agogou-diasyndesis-fysikou-aeriou-elladas-voulgarias-igb/) · [ICGB – AVAX construction update](https://www.icgb.eu/news/all-main-activities-for-the-construction-of-the-gas-interconnector-with-greece-have-been-completed/) · [Pipeline & Gas Journal – handover/Act 15](https://pgjonline.com/news/2022/september/igb-pipeline-on-track-to-receive-operation-license-in-greece) · [NS Energy – IGB overview](https://www.nsenergybusiness.com/projects/gas-interconnector-greece-bulgaria-igb-pipeline-project/) [![Avax greece qapqa pipe welding process](https://qapqa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/A2.jpg?width=1500&height=890&name=A2.jpg)](https://qapqa.com/hubfs/A2.jpg) [![Avax greece qapqa pipe welding ](https://qapqa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/A1.jpg?width=1500&height=890&name=A1.jpg)](https://qapqa.com/hubfs/A1.jpg) [![Avax greece qapqa pipe welding project](https://qapqa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/A4.jpg?width=1500&height=890&name=A4.jpg)](https://qapqa.com/hubfs/A4.jpg) [![Avax greece qapqa pipe welding project view](https://qapqa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/avax-img-groot.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&name=avax-img-groot.jpg)](https://qapqa.com/hubfs/avax-img-groot.jpg) [![Qapqa member of International Pipe Line & Offshore Contractors Association](https://qapqa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IPLOCA%20Web%20Square%2050x50.png?width=50&height=50&name=IPLOCA%20Web%20Square%2050x50.png)](https://www.iploca.com/members/qapqa-group-b-v/) [![tuv cert logo](https://qapqa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/tuv%20cert%20logo.webp?width=50&height=50&name=tuv%20cert%20logo.webp)](https://www.tuv-nord.com/) ![PWT Qapqa brand](https://qapqa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Qapqa_April2024/images/PWT-logo-wit-shade.png?width=50&height=50&name=PWT-logo-wit-shade.png) --- [![qapqa linkedin ](https://qapqa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/qapqa-linkedin-300x64.png?width=125&height=27&name=qapqa-linkedin-300x64.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/qapqa-bv/) [![qapqa youtbue](https://qapqa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/qapqa-youtbue-300x64.png?width=125&height=27&name=qapqa-youtbue-300x64.png)](https://www.youtube.com/@Qapqagroup) **Headquarters**  Qapqa B.V. 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