Image: CHI Shanghai
Cosco Shipping Heavy Industry’s Shanghai unit, CHI Shanghai, marked a significant milestone by delivering the converted Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) to ETYFA. Named Etyfa Prometheas, this 137,000-cbm FSRU is destined for the first Cyprus LNG import terminal located in Vasilikos. The handover ceremony, held on Tuesday, celebrated the completion of the conversion process for the 2002-built LNG carrier Galea, making it the first Moss-type LNG carrier ever converted into an FSRU in China.
Measuring an impressive 296 meters in length and 46 meters in width, the Etyfa Prometheas is equipped with four regasification units, each boasting a capacity of 105 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd). CHI Shanghai highlighted that the successful gas trials in October 2023 were the conclusive tests before the official delivery.
Cyprus initiated the construction of its inaugural LNG import facility at Vassilikos in July 2020. The Natural Gas Infrastructure Company (ETYFA), a subsidiary of DEFA, entered into an Engineer, Procure, Construct, Operate, and Maintain (EPCOM) contract with a consortium for the project. The consortium includes China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering, a unit of CNPC, Metron Energy Applications, Hudong-Zhonghua, and Wilhelmsen Ship Management.
Aside from the converted FSRU, the comprehensive project encompasses a jetty, a pipeline, and various onshore and offshore infrastructure in Vasilikos. The pipeline will transport gas to shoreside facilities, connecting to the country’s energy grid, primarily for power generation.
Initially projected for a summer 2022 launch, the LNG import project has faced delays. DEFA’s ETYFA now anticipates project completion in the second half of the current year. Reports from local media sources also suggested the possibility of Cyprus chartering the FSRU temporarily while awaiting the readiness of the LNG import infrastructure.
In summary, CHI Shanghai’s successful completion of the FSRU conversion marks a crucial step towards Cyprus’ goal of establishing its LNG import terminal. With the LNG terminal launch expected later this year, the collaboration between Cosco Shipping Heavy Industry and the consortium signifies a key partnership in advancing Cyprus’ energy infrastructure.
