Some of the biggest names in global energy construction are among the companies seeking to complete the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at Vasilikos, Politis has learnt. The deadline for expressions of interest, set by the Natural Gas Infrastructure Company (ETYFA), expired at midday on Friday, with eight companies responding.
Three global heavyweights
According to Politis’s information, three giants of the global energy construction industry expressed interest:
- Saipem of Italy
- China Harbour of China
- Baran International Ltd of Israel, the international arm of Baran Group, described as Israel’s largest engineering, project management and construction company, with extensive global activity
China Harbour and Cyfield
The Chinese company is state-owned but has no direct connection with CPP, the company originally awarded the terminal contract. CPP later terminated the contract and withdrew. China Harbour expressed interest in partnership with the Cypriot company Cyfield.
Egyptian, Greek and Norwegian interest
Also notable is Egypt’s The Petroleum Projects and Technical Consultations Company (PETROJET), the construction arm of Egypt’s state petroleum sector, with a major presence across the Middle East and Africa.
According to the same information, three large Greek companies with previous experience in Cyprus also expressed interest: Terna SA, Avax SA and Archirodon.
Norway’s ECOnnect Energy, which also expressed interest, is regarded as a company with very good credentials and significant expertise in the energy sector.
Next steps
ETYFA will now evaluate the preliminary applications from the companies and consortia. At a later stage, it will decide which of them to invite to submit a full offer. Offers will be assessed against specific terms prepared with Technip Energies, which is advising ETYFA, a subsidiary of the Cyprus Natural Gas Public Company (DEFA), on completing the LNG terminal.
The project’s preliminary budget stands at €180 million.
