press releases

MEDGAZ certifies its environmental management with ISO 14001 The commitment with the environment and safety is integrated in the essence of the project and the design of all infrastructures. The environmental credential is an addition to the ISO 9001 Quality Certificate obtained in 2008 Almería, 17/02/2010 MEDGAZ, the owner company of the underwater gas pipeline between Algeria and Spain, has obtained the certificate which confirms environmental conservation and all the processes integrated in the project management. Specifically, the company has successfully exceeded the certification process according to the international regulation of environmental management ISO 14001:2004. MEDGAZ are extremely satisfied on receipt of this certificate for our environmental management, as the company is committed to sustainable development. This commitment for quality, environmental conservation and safety is reflected in the design of all of the infrastructures and equipment, starting from the design of the pipeline to the compression stations in Algeria and the reception in Spain. In this way, the company, with the head office in Almeria, is working in collaboration with the Port Authority of Almeria and Almeria University (UAL), who are developing an investigation programme for environmental management. The ISO 14001 certificate specifies the requirements for a system of environmental management which permits an organization to develop and implement policies and objectives which take into account all legal requirements and information concerning significant environmental aspects. The principal objective of MEDGAZ‘s System of Environmental Management is to assure the compliance of the current environmental legislation and environmental policy stipulated by the actual company, which includes the commitment to continuous improvement. In this way, the Company intends to prevent, or at least minimize, the environmental impact which the activity of the Company could cause on their surroundings. MEDGAZ shareholders are Sonatrach, Cepsa, Iberdrola, Endesa y Gaz De France Suez. Its objective is to construct and operate the first gas pipeline at more than 2.000 metres depth in the Mediterranean. With an initial capacity of eight thousand million cubic metres per year, it will provide natural gas directly from Benisaf, on the Algerian coast, to Almería. By means of the ISO 14001 certificate, the Company takes one more step in its commitment with the environment and this credential is an addition to the ISO 9001 Quality Certificate obtained in 2008. MEDGAZ: Technical Data Sheet Capacity: 8 bcm/year Length: 210 Km (between Beni Saf and Almería). Diameter: 24 inches (610 mm). Maximum water depth: 2,160 m. Land based facilities: Compressor Station (Algeria) and Receiving Terminal (Almería). Investment: 900 million euros. Shareholders: SONATRACH (36%), CEPSA (20%), IBERDROLA (20%), ENDESA (12%) and GAZ DE FRANCE SUEZ (12%). DOWNLOAD PDF Return MEDGAZ External Relations contacto_prensa@medgaz.com www.medgaz.com

MEDGAZ initiates the testing sequence Project attains 97% overall progress Offshore pipeline already completed (100%) Onshore installations at over 90% progress Almería, 09/12/2009 MEDGAZ attained in November 2009 a 97% overall project progress. Having achieved the completion of the offshore pipeline in March 2009 and 90% of the onshore works, MEDGAZ has started the testing sequence. The testing sequence is comprised of a commissioning phase and a start-up phase. During the commissioning phase, which has already been initiated at Beni Saf Compressor Station once the hydro-tests of the most relevant systems have been successfully completed, all the systems that have achieved mechanical completion are verified. At the start-up phase, the gas volumes will progressively increase to attain the overall system capacity in a stable and reliable mode. The start-up phase is scheduled in the early months of 2010. MEDGAZ is the company in charge of building and operating the Algeria- Europe Pipeline, via Spain. With an initial capacity of 8 BCM/year, MEDGAZ will transport the natural gas from Beni Saf in the Algerian coast up to landfall in Almería. Its transportation capacity will improve security of supply, provide a more direct and therefore cost-effective way of delivering gas to southern Europe and make a positive contribution towards the targets set out in the Kyoto Protocol through the use of cleaner energies such as natural gas. MEDGAZ: Technical Data Sheet Capacity: 8 bcm/year Length: 210 Km (between Beni Saf and Almería). Diameter: 24 inches (610 mm). Maximum water depth: 2,160 m. Land based facilities: Compressor Station (Algeria) and Receiving Terminal (Almería). Investment: 900 million euros. Shareholders: SONATRACH (36%), CEPSA (20%), IBERDROLA (20%), ENDESA (12%) and GAZ DE FRANCE SUEZ (12%). DOWNLOAD PDF Return MEDGAZ External Relations contacto_prensa@medgaz.com www.medgaz.com

MEDGAZ changes its registered and tax address to Almería Pedro Miró, MEDGAZ Chairman, states that “it is a key step in our contributions towards sustainable development and the social, cultural and economic progress of Almería”. Pedro Miró met the Regional Minister of Innovation, Martín Soler, today, 6th November. Almería, 06/11/2009 MEDGAZ, the company in charge of designing, building and operating the Algerian-Spanish submarine gas pipeline, has decided to change its registered and tax address to Almería, a decision in line with its target of “contributing to sustainable development and the social, cultural and economic progress of Almería”. The Regional Minister of Innovation, Science and Enterprise, Martín Soler of Almería, was informed of this decision by the Chairman of the company, Pedro Miró, during a meeting held today at the Government Office in Almería. This means in practice that MEDGAZ will pay taxes in Andalusia, so benefiting the province. Likewise, it has established its head office and control room in Almería, thus fostering local job creation. Pedro Miró emphasized that “MEDGAZ adopts this decision with the intention to stay and create value in Almería”. MEDGAZ, whose shareholders are Sonatrach, Cepsa, Iberdrola, Endesa and Gaz De France Suez, is in charge of building the first gas ultra-deep water (over 2000 meters) pipeline crossing the Mediterranean Sea from Algerian to Spain. Therefore, its settlement in Almeria will enable this province to be promoted abroad and be linked with an innovative project and clean energy. As mentioned above, the commitment of the company with Almería also will result in local job creation. MEDGAZ expects to create about 60 direct jobs in the operational phase, notably among young graduates and women. In this regard the Andalusian Government’s Provincial Office for Employment and MEDGAZ organized a Professional Development and Occupational Training (FPO) course aimed at training MEDGAZ potential employees to become industrial plant panel operators, with a commitment from MEDGAZ to hire at least 60% of those who successfully finished the course. Finally, it benefits the companies of Almería, which will have a closer access to this clean energy provided by MEDGAZ to the Spanish gas system. MEDGAZ is also active in the province of Almería by both its membership of Fundación Mediterránea Empresa-Universidad, and the cooperation agreement with the Port Authority and the University of Almería to develop an environment management program. Today’s meeting attendees included Pedro Miró, Chairman, Juan Vera, General Manager, and, Joaquín Leirado, Director of Support and Institutional Relations of MEDGAZ; and Martín Soler, Andalusian Minister of Innovation, Science and Enterprise, Miguel Corpas, Andalusian Government Representative for Almería, and Sonia Rodríguez, Provincial Representative for Innovation, Science and Enterprise. Andrés Heras, maximum representative of the Spanish Government in Almería, also attended this meeting. MEDGAZ is the company in charge of building and operating the Algerian- European Pipeline, via Spain. With an initial capacity of 8 BCM/year, MEDGAZ will transport natural gas from Beni Saf on the Algerian coast up to landfall in Almería. Its start-up will improve security of supply, provide a more direct and therefore cost-effective way of delivering gas to southern Europe and make a positive contribution towards the targets set out in the Kyoto Protocol through the use of cleaner energies such as natural gas MEDGAZ: Technical Data Sheet Capacity: 8 bcm/year Length: 210 Km (between Beni Saf and Almería). Diameter: 24 inches (610 mm). Maximum water depth: 2,160 m. Land based facilities: Compressor Station (Algeria) and Receiving Terminal (Almería). Investment: 900 million euros. Shareholders: SONATRACH (36%), CEPSA (20%), IBERDROLA (20%), ENDESA (12%) and GAZ DE FRANCE SUEZ (12%). DOWNLOAD PDF Return MEDGAZ External Relations contacto_prensa@medgaz.com www.medgaz.com

MEDGAZ generates employment in Almería Training has been provided to 15 unemployed youths with a commitment to hire 60% of the students. MEDGAZ expects to create 100 direct jobs in the operational phase of the gas pipeline, half of which will be in Almeria. Almería, 24/03/2009 At a ceremony held today, the General Manager of MEDGAZ, Juan Antonio Vera, and the regional government’s Provincial Delegate for Employment, Francisca Pérez Laborda, handed out diplomas to the 15 students who completed the Professional Development and Occupational Training (FPO) course in Almeria. This joint initiative between the Andalusian regional government and MEDGAZ is aimed at training young unemployed persons to become chemical plant operators. The agreement includes a commitment from MEDGAZ to hire at least 60% of those who successfully finish the course. Lasting a total of six months — from September 2008 to March 2009 — the course involved 474 instructional hours and 200 practical training hours. Theoretical training focused on chemical plant operations and instrumentation and control. The course content and study plan also included modules on job market access and placement, risk prevention and environmental awareness. In addition to this training, daily one-hour English and French lessons were provided to meet the particular requirements of the positions available in MEDGAZ. Between January and March 2009, on-the-job training was offered at CEPSA’s Gibraltar-San Roque Refinery in Cádiz. Students were given the opportunity to work with chemical components, control chemical processes, learn about and use proper safety and environmental protection standards in manufacturing, prepare facilities and operate auxiliary services for chemical processes. Diploma-presentation ceremony Nine women and six men took part in the course, 53% of whom were under 25 years of age. More than half of the participants are graduates and the rest have had vocational training (FP 1 and FP II in Spain). At least 60% will join MEDGAZ’s workforce in the operational phase of the gas pipeline. During the diploma-presentation ceremony, Juan Antonio Vera said he was highly satisfied with the results of the course, which for MEDGAZ meant “taking a further step forward in our contributions towards sustainable development and the social, cultural and economic progress of the province of Almería.” MEDGAZ Generates Employment in Almeria From the start, MEDGAZ has been committed to generating value in Almeria through the creation of local employment. As part of its hiring policies, MEDGAZ has striven to offer more opportunities to youths and women. Out of its current workforce of 20 employees, over 50% are women. MEDGAZ plans to create 100 direct jobs in the operational phase, half of which will be in Almeria, where the head offices and control room are located. MEDGAZ is the company in charge of building and operating the Algerian- European Pipeline, via Spain. With an initial capacity of 8 BCM/year, MEDGAZ will transport natural gas from Beni Saf on the Algerian coast up to landfall in Almería beginning in the second half of 2009. Its start-up will improve security of supply, provide a more direct and therefore cost-effective way of delivering gas to southern Europe and make a positive contribution towards the targets set out in the Kyoto Protocol through the use of cleaner energies such as natural gas. DOWNLOAD PDF Return MEDGAZ External Relations contacto_prensa@medgaz.com www.medgaz.com

MEDGAZ announces completion of construction of deepwater pipeline The Crawler, the ship in charge of carrying out the “last weld”, has closed the direct connection between Algeria and Spain 1.6 kilometers from the Algerian coast. Madrid, 23/12/2008 MEDGAZ has completed the pipe-lay operations that will directly connect Algeria to Spain. Saipem S.p.A., the Italian oil services company commissioned to build the undersea infrastructure, has finalized the 210 km. offshore link between Beni Saf (Algerian coast) and the Spanish coast of Almeria with the so-called last weld. Operations were performed at 1.6 kilometers from the Beni Saf beach by the Crawler, a vessel entrusted with the task of raising the pipe left by the Castoro Sei in July 2008 and the pipe left by the Saipem 7000 in November, to make the definitive connection and once again lay the final link-up on the seabed. Construction of the sub-sea pipeline was completed on schedule. Between March and June 2008, the Castoro Sei, the vessel in charge of building the offshore section corresponding to the shallow areas (up to a depth of 550 meters), welded and assembled part of the pipeline in both the Algerian and Almería coast. Between August and November 2008, the Saipem 7000 platform laid the portion of the pipe in the deepwater section (down to 2,160 meters). With the last weld operations conducted by the Crawler, the assembly of the first ultra-deep water (over 2,000 meters) gas pipeline built in the Mediterranean can be considered completed. Última soldadura Between January and March 2009, hydraulic tests will be performed to ensure that the pipeline is in good working order before its start-up, which is scheduled for the second half of next year. DOWNLOAD PDF Return MEDGAZ External Relations contacto_prensa@medgaz.com www.medgaz.com

MEDGAZ Awarded ISO 9001 Quality Certification Madrid, 10/11/2008 MEDGAZ has successfully completed the process to secure certification for the management and operation of the project to build an Algerian-European gas pipeline via Spain, pursuant to ISO 9001 quality specifications. The prestigious ISO 9001 is the world’s leading quality standard and establishes an internationally recognized management system that enables businesses to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their processes. Compliance with ISO 9001 provides assurance that MEDGAZ’s quality controls and internal audits have been properly conducted. For MEDGAZ, this is the first step towards obtaining certifications for its environmental management system as per ISO 14001, and for its occupational health and safety management system, in conformance with OHSAS 18001. MEDGAZ has consistently demonstrated its ongoing commitment to guaranteeing excellence in safety, environmental and quality performance at its facilities. This commitment is reflected in the design of all of the project’s infrastructures and components, from the pipe lay operations to the technology deployed at the compressor station and receiving terminal, including the selection of construction methods that minimize environmental impacts. DOWNLOAD PDF Return MEDGAZ External Relations contacto_prensa@medgaz.com www.medgaz.com

Press Release Madrid, 09/10/2008 MEDGAZ is pleased to announce that SAIPEM S.p.A has resumed construction of the deepwater section of the gas pipeline. Work was halted on September 17 due to the accident that took place on board the SAIPEM 7000 platform, contracted by the MEDGAZ consortium for the laying of the sub-sea pipeline between Algeria and Spain. SAIPEM, the Italian oil services group which owns and operates the pipe-lay barge, has repaired the affected area of the platform and guarantees optimal safety conditions for continuing with the pipe-laying operations. The SAIPEM 7000 will need to lay around 45 kilometers of pipe to complete work on the deepwater section (down to 2,160 meters). This platform is in charge of laying 120 of the 210 kilometers that make up the pipeline. Another vessel, the Castoro Sei, has already installed, in Spanish waters, the offshore section corresponding to the shallow areas (up to a depth of 550 meters). Once SAIPEM 7000 finishes the deepwater pipe-lay work, the Castoro Sei will repeat the same process in Algerian waters. Start-up of the Algerian-European gas pipeline via Spain is slated for mid-2009. DOWNLOAD PDF Return MEDGAZ External Relations contacto_prensa@medgaz.com www.medgaz.com

MEDGAZ and Fishing Sector Sign Cooperation Agreement El Saipem 7000, plataforma encargada de construir la parte más profunda del gasoducto, ha llegado al puerto de Almería. MEDGAZ, que constituye la primera conexión directa de Argelia con el mercado europeo, es también el primer gasoducto a más de 2.000 metros de profundidad que se construye en el Mediterráneo. Almería, 29/09/2008 MEDGAZ, S.A. is pleased to announce that today, it signed a Cooperation Agreement with representatives of fishermen who operate in the vicinity of the gas pipeline between Almería and Algeria, currently under construction. Signatories to the Agreement included Juan Antonio Vera, General Manager of MEDGAZ, Melchor Galindo, President of the Provincial Federation of Fishermen’s Guilds in Almería-Motril, and José María Gallart, who heads the Fishing Association ASOPESCA. The ceremony was presided by Miguel Corpas, Deputy Government Representative for Almería, Martín Soler, the Andalusian Government’s Secretary for Agriculture & Fisheries, and Miguel Recio, Representative of the Andalusian Government in Almería, as mediators in the negotiations. The Cooperation Agreement awarded 3 million euros in compensation for any possible disturbances or inconveniences that may arise during the construction of the deepwater pipeline, scheduled to come on-stream in 2009. It also includes a pledge to maintain ongoing collaboration and communication among all parties involved, as has been the case until now. MEDGAZ undertakes to perform all the work with utmost respect for the local environment and communities. The fishing industry likewise has assured that it will not interfere with the pipeline’s construction. Signature of Cooperation Agreement The Cooperation Agreement deems that the gas pipeline is a non-detrimental infrastructure that, once laid, will not have any adverse impacts on the environment or the fishing industry. During his speech, Juan Antonio Vera highlighted “MEDGAZ’s satisfaction with the Agreement and the way negotiations have developed. The efforts made, as well as the outcome, evidences our commitment to and engagement with Almería’s society and communities”. MEDGAZ’s General Manager also expressed his gratitude to the Authorities, “particularly to the Central Government’s Representation in Almeria and the Andalusian Regional Government for their involvement and efforts to bring together all sides and positions. Thanks to the Authorities, negotiations were conducted in an atmosphere of understanding, support and good will”. DOWNLOAD PDF Return MEDGAZ External Relations contacto_prensa@medgaz.com www.medgaz.com

Press Release Madrid, 17/09/2008 MEDGAZ announces that, according to information received so far, this morning, an incident occurred in international waters caused by a mechanical failure that took place on one of the cranes of the SAIPEM 7000 platform, contracted by the MEDGAZ consortium for the construction of the deepwater gas pipeline between Algeria and Spain. No explosions were reported. As a result of this accident, three people were killed, four others injured and one person is missing. All of the workers, except for one of the injured, were employed by the Italian oil services group SAIPEM S.p.A, which owns and operates the pipe-lay barge. As soon as MEDGAZ was informed of the incident, the company immediately notified the Algerian and Spanish authorities and offered them, and SAIPEM, its full cooperation and assistance in any matters or circumstances in connection with this occurrence. MEDGAZ deeply regrets this incident and would like to express its sympathies and support to the families of the victims and to the employees of SAIPEM. DOWNLOAD PDF Return MEDGAZ External Relations contacto_prensa@medgaz.com www.medgaz.com

MEDGAZ starts the installation of the gas pipeline in deep water The Saipem 7000, the construction vessel selected for pipelay activities for the deepwater part of the gas pipeline, has arrived at the port of Almeria. MEDGAZ, the first direct link between Algeria and the European gas market, is also the first gas pipeline deeper than 2.000 meters built in Mediterranean waters. Almería, 11/08/2008 The port of Almeria has received today the Saipem 7000, which is the platform in charge of completing the pipelay operation for the deepwater section (down to 2.160 meters). It has arrived from Stavanger (Norway), where the welding tower has been assembled, for the installation of 120 of the 210 kilometres that constitute the Algeria-Europe gas pipeline, via Spain. It is Saipem s.P.a.’s flagship vessel, world leader in sub-sea infrastructure constructions. It has been used in numerous construction projects around the world, noteworthy in the gas pipeline between Russia and Turkey through the Black Sea (Blue Stream) and in the Ormen Lange project in Norway. The Saipem 7000 is 197.95 meters long and the main deck is 43.5 meters high. The vessel will remain docked in the port of Almeria performing preparatory tasks until mid-August, when the pipelay activities for the deepwater areas (deeper than – 550 meters) will begin, starting on the Spanish side and ending on the Algerian side. Saipem 7000 SEE VIDEO J-Lay The construction method is the so-called J-Lay, due to the shape the pipe adopts during the construction. The pipe, which has been previously welded in 50 meter long sections, abandons the vessel from a nearly vertical ramp and then continues through the sagbend until it reaches the seabed, forming a J shape. Overall, the construction process in deepwater will last around 40 days. The Saipem 7000 is expected to lay 3 kilometres a day. Around 450 people will work on board until the end of the construction. MEDGAZ completed the first part of the pipelay operation in the end of June. Another vessel, the Castoro Sei, was in charge of installing in Spanish waters the section corresponding to the shallow water areas (up to a depth of -550 meters). Once the deepwater pipelay is finished, the Castoro Sei will repeat the same process in Algerian waters. Saipem 7000’s arrival to the port of Almeria constitutes a major milestone in MEDGAZ’s construction. This gas pipeline will not only link for the first time the Algerian gas sites to the European market but it is also the first pipeline to be built deeper than 2000 meters underwater in the Mediterranean. Once this section is finished, 80% of the Algeria-Europe gas pipeline via Spain will be completed, with startup date in 2009. DOWNLOAD PDF Return MEDGAZ External Relations contacto_prensa@medgaz.com www.medgaz.com