The CI-GNL (Ivory Coast LNG) consortium led by Total has been awarded the rights to build and operate a liquefied natural gas re-gasification terminal in the Ivory Coast with a capacity of 3 mtpa.

The decision was followed by the signature of the shareholders’ agreement in Abidjan between Total, which will operate the project with a 34% interest, PetroCI (11%), CI Energies (5%), SOCAR (26%), Shell (13%), Golar (6%) and Endeavor Energy (5%).

Total will use the terminal to supply LNG volumes from its global portfolio in proportion to its participating interest in the project. The re-gasification terminal project is expected to become operational by mid-2018.

“This project‘>project illustrates Total’s strategy to develop new gas markets by unlocking access to LNG for fast-growing economies. Working closely with our partners enabled us to put together an integrated proposal combining LNG supply and import infrastructure through a floating storage and re-gasification unit,” said Philippe Sauquet, president, Gas, Renewables and Power, Total.

The project‘>project involves the construction of a terminal with a floating storage and re-gasification unit (FSRU) in Vridi, in the Abidjan area, and a pipeline connecting the FSRU to existing and planned power plants in Abidjan, as well as to regional markets connected to the Ivorian network. This will enable Ivory Coast to become the first regional LNG import Hub in West Africa, and to meet both regional and domestic demand.

Source: www.reuters.com