LNG Terminal: Cryogenic Requirements Raise Fresh Questions

With Cyprus still waiting for the completion of the Vasilikos LNG terminal, a project considered essential for enabling natural gas imports to the island, further issues appear to be complicating an already challenging process, raising additional concerns over its progress.

Among them is the question of the jetty’s cryogenic specifications, an issue that sparked disagreements during an earlier phase of the project and is now attracting renewed attention as efforts move forward to complete the facilities through a new €180 million tender.

At a time when accelerating the project and preventing further delays should be key priorities, the renewed focus on the jetty’s cryogenic capabilities inevitably raises questions.

The issue is not whether Cyprus should eventually develop energy infrastructure with broader capabilities. Rather, it is whether such an investment is necessary at this stage, when the country has yet to secure the very infrastructure the project was originally designed to deliver: a fully operational natural gas import terminal.

More importantly, why has the issue of cryogenic specifications resurfaced now? What operational need would these additional capabilities serve, and could they affect the project’s overall cost and completion schedule?

These questions become particularly relevant given that Cyprus remains some distance from commercially exporting natural gas from its own offshore reserves, while the completion of its import terminal is still pending.

Against this backdrop, a significant technical question also emerges: Can the existing jetty, in its current condition, accommodate the proposed cryogenic capabilities, or would substantial modifications potentially even new construction be required?

Equally important is whether any such works are covered by the €180 million budget or could result in additional expenditure.

On July 30, 2026, a new tender, E.013-2026, was launched for the completion of the LNG Import Terminal in the Vasilikos area, with an estimated value of €180 million.

The procurement procedure is restricted and includes a prequalification stage. The deadline for applications expired on September 9, while January 11, 2027, is listed as the deadline for issuing invitations to candidates selected to proceed to the next stage.

The anticipated duration of the new contract is two years.

Parliamentary Visit Highlights Need for Clear Timeline

The actual state of the project came under renewed scrutiny on September 15, when members of the Parliamentary Energy Committee visited the Vasilikos facilities to assess progress firsthand.

Representatives of the Ministry of Energy, the Natural Gas Public Company (DEFA), the Natural Gas Infrastructure Company (ETYFA) and the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) also participated in the visit.

During the inspection, MPs sought clear answers regarding the outstanding works, the overall cost and, most importantly, when the terminal could realistically be completed and become operational.

The renewed discussion of an issue that previously generated disagreements raises legitimate questions about whether the options currently under consideration are aligned with the urgent need to complete the project or whether they risk introducing another round of technical complications, additional costs and further delays.

Cyprus Times contacted ETYFA, the authority responsible for the project, seeking clarification on the matter. However, the company indicated that it would not be providing any comment.

Πηγή – Cyprus Times

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