MILAN (Reuters) - The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (Tap) consortium, the pipeline 20 percent controlled by Snam, aims to double its gas transport capacity by 2027 and to achieve this goal it closed a window for operators to submit binding bids on January 22.

According to a note, Tap -- which brings gas from Arzebajan to Puglia -- will start the first level of expansion and allocate 1.2 billion cubic meters of incremental capacity per year through long-term contracts starting in 2026.

A second bidding round is expected later this year and interested parties will be able to submit bids.