Filenews 22 October 2024 - by Chrysanthos Manoli
Although DEFA and ETYFA refuse to state anything about their continuous multi-day negotiations with the Chinese CPP and the Cosco shipyard in Shanghai for the delivery of the Prometheus FSRU to its owner (ETYFA), all information converges that an agreement has been reached between the two sides, which can be considered final and binding for both sides.
There is no reliable information on the economic aspect of the agreement. Unofficial information indicates that in return for the delivery of Prometheus to ETYFA, CPP will be released an amount of a few tens of millions out of the total amount of €70 million estimated to be the guarantees deposited by the Chinese company for the implementation of the contract.
Other reports indicate that the floating liquefied natural gas storage and regasification unit (FSRU) has been inspected in recent days by expert technocrats, from the private sector, sent to Shanghai on behalf of ETYFA. The report sent by the technocrats to ETYFA is described as very satisfactory.
Energy Minister George Papanastasiou told CyBC's Triton on Tuesday morning that the inspection shows that the ship is in excellent condition.
Therefore, it is seaworthy, has secured the necessary certifications (as an LNG Carrier) and should now be considered a matter of time before its departure for Cyprus.
However, for the future operation of Prometheus as an FSRU (i.e. for regasification) some additions will need to be made, estimated at a cost of approximately €10 million, which will be borne by ETYFA. It is not known whether the Belgian work on the ship will take place in Vasilikos or elsewhere in Cyprus or in a shipyard in a neighbouring country.
