Nicosia: The installation of components on the ‘Prometheus’ vessel is slated for completion by the end of November or early December, after which it will be sent to a terminal for certification as a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU), according to the President of the Natural Gas Infrastructure Company (ETYFA), George Ashikalis, who spoke to CNA.
According to Cyprus News Agency, ‘Prometheus,’ an LNG tanker under the Cyprus flag, is intended for use as an FSRU and will eventually connect to the Vasilikos Terminal to supply Cyprus with natural gas. The project has experienced delays. The vessel departed from Shanghai on December 14, 2024, and has been anchored at a Malaysian port since Christmas Eve 2024. In May, ETYFA’s engineers inspected it, and it has been awaiting the installation of components since then. The Vasilikos Terminal project is also stalled following the termination of CMC’s contract and is under investigation by EPPO, while Brussels has demanded the repayment of £67 million in EU funding already received for the project.
Ashikalis informed CNA that the choice of terminal for the ‘Prometheus’ to receive FSRU certification will depend on a gap analysis conducted by the project manager regarding the Vasilikos Terminal, expected by December 19.
He confirmed that all necessary components are now on the ship, awaiting installation, highlighting the importance of this development. He explained that the delay in installation was due to the time required for the components to be manufactured and delivered.
With the components now on board, work is progressing towards completing the installation. Ashikalis stated that, by the end of November or early December, the vessel will be ready to sail to a terminal for certification as a floating gas regasification or liquefaction unit.
The vessel’s final destination for certification will either be the Vasilikos Terminal, depending on ongoing developments, or another terminal abroad. This step is vital to ensure that the vessel can maintain natural gas at minus 160 degrees Celsius without evaporation.
Additionally, Ashikalis mentioned that research and consultations are ongoing to determine the course of construction for the Vasilikos Terminal. If the terminal’s construction concludes soon, ‘Prometheus’ will relocate to Vasilikos. Otherwise, it will need to go to a foreign terminal for certification.
The timeline for completing the remaining work at the Vasilikos Terminal, including the jetty, onshore terminal, and network, will determine the vessel’s next steps. Ashikalis emphasized the significance of the vessel, which represents the core of the system and the largest expenditure, totaling £200 million, being ready soon.