CMC call for meeting on , ‘neutral territory’ in Vasiliko spat

CMC call for meeting on , ‘neutral territory’ in Vasiliko spat

– Chinese-led construction firm CPP-Metron Consortium Ltd (CMC) called for a meeting with a “decision maker” appointed by the Cypriot government in a “neutral territory” such as Dubai.
– The situation at the under-construction liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at Vasiliko has reached a crisis point.
– CMC has offered a comprehensive solution to de-escalate the situation and save the project.
– Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides is set to meet with Chinese ambassador Liu Yantao to discuss the impasse.
– Etyfa has persistently breached payment obligations under the contract for the Vasiliko LNG facility.
– CMC suspended work in January as an “absolute last resort” due to payment issues but lifted the suspension in March on assurances from Etyfa.
– Etyfa has made changes to the project and has refused to pay for them, including refusing to take delivery of the completed FSRU.

CMC hits back in escalating Vasiliko spat (Updated)

CMC hits back in escalating Vasiliko spat (Updated)

Fact: The Chinese-led construction firm CPP-Metron Consortium Ltd (CMC) has accused Natural Gas Infrastructure Company (Etyfa) of persistently failing to make milestone payments for the under-construction liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at Vasiliko.

Christodoulides to meet Chinese ambassador over Vasiliko row

Christodoulides to meet Chinese ambassador over Vasiliko row

President Nikos Christodoulides will meet with Chinese ambassador Liu Yantao on Monday to discuss the ongoing dispute between Chinese-led construction firm CMC and Etyfa over the LNG terminal at Vasiliko. The state will not be blackmailed and has a ‘plan B’ in place. The only topic of conversation with the Chinese ambassador will be Vasiliko.

Row over Vasiliko terminal deepens

Row over Vasiliko terminal deepens

The consortium constructing the natural gas terminal at Vasiliko accused Etyfa of not taking delivery of the vessel “Prometheas” despite it being ready since mid-January 2024.

Our View: Finally something positive to say about LNG plant

Our View: Finally something positive to say about LNG plant

The government and the CPP-Metron Consortium Ltd (CMC), contracted for the construction and operation of the Vasiliko LNG terminal, have mended their relationship after previously heading towards a costly separation. Energy Minister George Papanastasiou had considered terminating the contract with CMC due to their work stoppage at Vasiliko since the end of January and a €200 million claim against Cyprus at a London arbitration court for higher costs and alleged failure by the project manager, Etyfa, to fulfill its obligations. A meeting between CMC representatives and Papanastasiou resolved differences, and President Nikos Christodoulides subsequently inspected the project site. CMC expressed gratitude for the meeting, highlighting prior unaddressed meeting requests with Etyfa. The energy ministry will now directly manage the project, sidelining Etyfa due to its inadequate response and unclear project instructions, and will establish a body for project monitoring and a group for dispute resolution. The financial disputes remain unresolved but will be addressed by Defa and Etyfa, who had signed the contracts with CMC. The project is set to proceed, with CMC bringing in 120 workers from China with the necessary expertise, aiming for completion by the end of the year.