Green Innovation Project in Monaco: Custom egeplast Solution for Gigantic Thalassothermal System

Already known as a pioneer in thalassothermal technology, Monaco has set new standards with its latest project to reduce CO2 emissions. Through a 1.4 km pipeline system, seawater can be pumped from a depth of 80 m and used to operate air conditioning or heating systems – a complex project in many respects that also serves as an excellent example of successful decarbonization. For safe installation on the seabed, the egeplast large-diameter pipe egeXXL was deployed.

Project Planning

In implementing this ambitious project in Monaco, the principality relied on the marine construction company Trasomar as well as the egeplast large-diameter pipe egeXXL, which was supplied by local distributor Reseaux Export. Welding and preparation of the pipe sections were handled by 2A2M. The special logistical and geographical conditions made the project challenging at every stage. A six-month planning phase was followed by a three-month implementation phase. In the first step, project managers divided the 1.4 km pipeline system into four smaller sections: a starting section and three additional stages of 380 m each. These sections were prepared in the port of Bregaillon from dozens of twelve-meter-long egeXXL pipes, OD 1,600 mm, SDR 21. What followed was a spectacular transport by tugboat to Monaco.

Technically Demanding Implementation in Monaco

The most critical part, however, was connecting the flanges and lowering the completed 1,140 m section to the seabed. This required enormous logistical effort and, in addition to precise planning, was dependent on suitable weather conditions during execution. The lowering was accomplished by filling with water from the land side. To prevent pipe bending, three parameters had to be carefully monitored during the process: the amount of water introduced, the back pressure, and the tension. To move the final section, France’s most powerful rescue vessel, the L’Abeille Flandre, was brought into the operation.

Close Collaboration Among All Parties Daniel Scivoletto from Reseaux Export emphasizes the quality of the partnership between the various parties involved: “This project was a success thanks to the excellent collaboration between supplier, manufacturer, welder, and installer. Despite a difficult environment with the consequences of the Ukraine crisis, egeplast and Reseaux Export fulfilled all their commitments. Together with the expertise and experience of Trasomar and 2A2M, this project in Monaco was executed in perfect compliance with deadlines and quality requirements.”