--- title: Automatic welding by DS-1 on gas pipeline welding project description: Collaborated with DS-1 on a gas pipeline welding project in Bulgaria, successfully welding 120 km of 32-inch diameter pipeline. --- [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/) # DS-1 - Gas Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria ![Company](https://qapqa.com/hubfs/svg-gobbler.svg) **Company:** DS-1 Company: DS-1 ![Type](https://qapqa.com/hubfs/svg-gobbler%20(3).svg) **Type:** Gas Pipeline Type: Gas Pipeline ![pipeline project](https://qapqa.com/hubfs/Qapqa_April2024/images/pipeline%20project.svg) **Project:** IGB Pipeline (Gas Interconnector Greece - Bulgaria) Project: IGB Pipeline (Gas Interconnector Greece - Bulgaria) ![svg-gobbler (4)](https://qapqa.com/hubfs/svg-gobbler%20(4).svg) **Client:** ICGB Client: ICGB ![svg-gobbler (2)](https://qapqa.com/hubfs/svg-gobbler%20(2).svg) **Material:** X65 Material: X65 ![Country](https://qapqa.com/hubfs/svg-gobbler%20(1).svg) **Country:** Bulgaria Country: Bulgaria ![diameter icon](https://qapqa.com/hubfs/diameter%20icon.svg) **Diameter:** 32" **WT:** 11 mm Diameter: 32" WT: 11 mm ![Distance](https://qapqa.com/hubfs/svg-gobbler%20(5).svg) **Distance:** 120km Distance: 120km Characteristics - Automatic welding of the root-pass with GMAW-RMD without copper backing. - Filling/capping with Advanced Pulse (P-GMAW). - Completed **55 joints** in a single shift. ## DS-1 built the IGB Gas Pipeline in Bulgaria In 2022, **DS-1**, together with **ICGB**, [successfully completed](https://www.gem.wiki/Gas_Interconnector_Greece%E2%80%93Bulgaria_(IGB)) the **Gas Interconnector Greece–Bulgaria (IGB)**. This strategic **European energy project** was developed to diversify natural gas supply, strengthen **Bulgaria’s energy security**, and enhance regional integration across **Southeast Europe**. ## About DS-1 **DS-1** is a specialized contractor delivering **pipeline construction and welding solutions** across Europe. With expertise in **large-diameter gas transmission pipelines**, the company consistently achieves the highest standards of **safety, quality, and efficiency**. DS-1 believes that **people and advanced welding technology** are the foundation of operational excellence. ## IGB Gas Pipeline The **IGB Pipeline** is a **120-kilometer natural gas interconnector** linking **Komotini, Greece** to **Stara Zagora, Bulgaria**. Built with **X65 steel**, **32-inch diameter** pipes and **11 mm wall thickness**, the project represents one of the most important steps in diversifying gas supply for Bulgaria and the wider region. The construction and associated systems featured: - Pipeline length of **120 km** through Bulgaria - **X65 steel pipeline** with 32” diameter and 11 mm wall thickness - Automated welding technology ensuring **high-integrity welds** - On the best production day; **55 joints in a single shift were completed.** - Interconnection to the **Southern Gas Corridor** and LNG terminals DS-1 deployed the [PWT XCS Welding System](https://qapqa.com/equipment/xcs-welding-system/) on the IGB pipeline project, achieving automated, high-integrity welding solutions tailored for large-diameter gas transmission pipelines. The advanced system ensured both speed and precision, delivering industry-leading performance on one of Europe’s most strategic infrastructure projects. This advanced **gas pipeline in Bulgaria** enables the secure transport of natural gas from **Azerbaijan and global LNG markets** into Bulgaria and further into Europe. By combining **DS-1’s expertise** with **PWT’s automated welding technology**, the IGB project strengthens **European energy security**, improves regional resilience, creates jobs, and demonstrates Bulgaria’s capacity to deliver **world-class energy infrastructure**. [![DS-1 Bulgaria Qapqa Pipeline construction 1](https://qapqa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/D4.jpg?width=1500&height=890&name=D4.jpg)](https://qapqa.com/hubfs/D4.jpg) [![DS-1 Bulgaria Qapqa Pipeline construction 2](https://qapqa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ds1-img-klein-2021.jpg?width=801&height=477&name=ds1-img-klein-2021.jpg)](https://qapqa.com/hubfs/ds1-img-klein-2021.jpg) [![DS-1 Bulgaria Qapqa Pipeline construction 3](https://qapqa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/D1.jpg?width=1500&height=890&name=D1.jpg)](https://qapqa.com/hubfs/D1.jpg) [![DS-1 Bulgaria Qapqa Pipeline construction 4](https://qapqa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/D2.jpg?width=1500&height=890&name=D2.jpg)](https://qapqa.com/hubfs/D2.jpg) [![DS-1 Bulgaria Qapqa Pipeline construction 5](https://qapqa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/D3.jpg?width=1500&height=890&name=D3.jpg)](https://qapqa.com/hubfs/D3.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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