‘, Light on the horizon for Vasiliko’

‘, Light on the horizon for Vasiliko’

Energy Minister George Papanastasiou stated that there is progress in the construction of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Vasiliko, with consultations ongoing between Cyprus’ natural gas infrastructure company and the Chinese state-owned company CPP Metron. The terminal is crucial for importing LNG to reduce electricity costs in the Republic of Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides denied discussions of a “velvet divorce” with CPP over the terminal, emphasizing that efforts are continuing.

No , ‘velvet divorce’ over Vasiliko LNG terminal

No , ‘velvet divorce’ over Vasiliko LNG terminal

There are ongoing efforts to find a solution for the Vasiliko liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal project, with no discussions of a “velvet divorce” with Chinese state-owned company CPP.

Cypriot government and Chinese firm nearing settlement

Cypriot government and Chinese firm nearing settlement

The Cypriot Government and Chinese state-owned company CPP are working towards a velvet divorce, focusing on resolving the remaining works for the terminal at Vasilikos. The Chinese side has made financial demands for the delivery of the Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) to its owner, ETYFA, which could amount to tens of millions of euros in addition to the funds already spent. Intensive consultations are expected to find a compromise exclusively for the FSRU, with legal advisors seeking a settlement based on the arbitrator’s decision. Once a settlement is reached for the FSRU, an agreement for the dissolution of cooperation regarding projects in Vasilikos is expected. Financial differences will be resolved through arbitration, with ETYFA seeking another contractor to complete the jetty and other projects on land.

Israel aims to boost Red Sea oil deliveries despite environmental risks

Israel aims to boost Red Sea oil deliveries despite environmental risks

Israel plans to allow more oil tankers to dock at a Red Sea port in Eilat despite environmental risks. The government wants to revoke restrictions on the amount of oil that can be unloaded at a jetty in the city, which sits near a coral reef. The curbs imposed in 2021 were eased temporarily during the Gaza war. EAPC, the state-owned company operating the pipeline, wants to receive more oil, but environmental regulators and Eilat’s mayor oppose the plan. Israel is pushing to ensure energy security amid conflicts with various groups. Netanyahu’s office recommended easing restrictions to include fuel for trade and domestic use. The environment ministry expressed concerns about the risks of more oil deliveries and cited past mishaps. EAPC welcomed the government’s U-turn, emphasizing the strategic importance of the Eilat facility for energy delivery. Israel imports most of its oil through seaborne trade, and the Emirati oil deal could be worth about million a year for EAPC. The Energy Ministry emphasized the need to handle oil deliveries properly to sustain the terminal economically.

CPP case: the Chinese ambassador has been summoned to the Presidential Palace on Monday

CPP case: the Chinese ambassador has been summoned to the Presidential Palace on Monday

The Cyprus-China relations are being tested due to a dispute over a gas regasification terminal project in Vasilikos. The Chinese state-owned company CPP is reluctant to complete the project, demanding additional financial compensation of EUR 200 million. The Cypriot side argues that CPP’s objections to the contract terms are either in bad faith or due to financial inability. The collapse of cooperation with CPP would result in significant financial costs for Cyprus and delay the introduction of natural gas for cheaper electricity generation. The situation is further complicated by the fact that a floating gas regasification unit remains in Shanghai due to berthing modifications required by Lloyd’s Register. If the terminal project is frozen, Cyprus may face significant financial consequences, with responsibility shared between the Cypriot government and the Chinese state-owned company CPP.

CPP admits inability to complete the terminal due to Cyprus’s demands

CPP admits inability to complete the terminal due to Cyprus’s demands

CMC, a Chinese state-owned company, has accused ETYFA of making significant changes to their agreement to build the Vasilikos LNG pier project in Cyprus. The company claims that ETYFA demanded the construction of an LNG export facility instead of the originally agreed-upon LNG reception and regasification facility. This change has led to technical and cost issues, making the project unsustainable for CMC. Despite working hard to meet ETYFA’s new demands, CMC insists that they should be compensated for the extra labor and materials required.

RRF funds in jeopardy as EAC-CyTA deal goes sour

RRF funds in jeopardy as EAC-CyTA deal goes sour

A deal between state-owned companies for the supply of electricity smart meters has been ruled unlawful by a special court, putting €35 million in European taxpayers’ funds at risk.