KUALA LUMPUR: The LNG tanker “ETYFA-Prometheas,” which departed from Shanghai on December 14, is currently anchored in the Malacca Strait, Malaysia, for technical evaluations. The assessments are being conducted by an independent technical company to ensure the vessel’s operational standards, as confirmed by George Papanastasiou, Cyprus’ Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the decision to carry out these inspections in Malaysia was made by the Natural Gas Company DEFA, citing the availability of more professional services in the region. The vessel has been stationed in a Malaysian port since Christmas Eve, awaiting the completion of this crucial evaluation process.
Additionally, Minister Papanastasiou addressed the matter of Cyprus’ potential involvement in the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project. He highlighted that a response from Theodoros Skylakakis, Greece’s Minister of Environment and Energy, is pending concerning a 10-page letter sent earlier this month. This correspondence outlines the Cyprus government’s consultants’ comments on the country’s participation in the GSI’s share capital. Papanastasiou emphasized that while the Greek Minister’s response is significant, the final decision will not rest solely on it.