Lebanon has been negotiating an LNG import plan for the better part of two decades. But there are still hurdles to clear that will complicate the government’s plan to install a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) by the end of 2015. Thirteen companies were prequalified in April to bid for the contract (see table); but Beirut has yet to indicate when it will award a license.
Bidding companies are concerned about the lack of transparency and numerous unresolved issues, MEES understands. Issues include: a lack of clarity on timeframe; no agreement on how gas will be transported to the nearby 450 mw Dair ‘Ammar power plant (the only land available houses existing government facilities); and a lack of consensus as to what entity would control and operate the FSRU. (CONTINUED - 822 WORDS)
