FSRU tender postponed

LNG import process still on track

The tender to build a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) has been adjourned to January 27, 2014. Tender results were due this week.

“A rebid will be held because only one company participated in the tender,” said Zaher Sleiman, Oil and Gas Consultant at the Ministry of Energy and Water. Other firms have participated but did not reach the final phase of the tendering process due to missing technical or administrative documents.

A call for ‘expression of interest’ for the construction of the FSRU was launched in April 2012. The planned FSRU will convert imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) to gas for domestic and industrial use. It will be connected to a coastal pipeline that would supply the gas to power plants from north to south.

Sleiman also said that the deadline for questions sent by the Ministry regarding the import of LNG is scheduled for January 20.

The Ministry will then choose the top five companies and hold a second phase of negotiations, in order to finally sign contracts. “All interested companies that have so far contacted us are international, as no local firm is specialized in this matter,” Sleiman said.