KN scores Piombino FSRU gig from Snam

Lithuania’s LNG terminal operator KN has won a contract from Italian energy firm Snam to help with the launch of the FSRU-based LNG import terminal in the port of Piombino.

KN revealed in a statement on Friday it had been chosen by Snam FSRU Italia to cooperate in the start-up of the LNG terminal project.

Moreover, KN said it will support Snam in the FSRU installation and subsequent commissioning and testing of the floating LNG terminal.

The new LNG terminal in Tuscany, in the province of Livorno and the west coast port of Piombino, is a strategic project to help ensuring country’s energy needs, increasing security of supply and diversification, the firm said.

KN did not provide information regarding the timeline of the project or other details.

Snam purchased FSRU Golar Tundra from Golar LNG last year for $350 million as part of Italy’s plans to replace Russian pipeline gas and strengthen energy security.

It previously said that it expects the Piombino FSRU-based terminal to reach commercial operation in May 2023.

The 170,000-cbm vessel Golar Tundra can operate both as an LNG carrier and as an FSRU, and it has a continuous regasification capacity of 5 billion cubic meters per year.

LNG Prime reported on February 21 that the FSRU departed Keppel’s yard in Singapore.

Keppel, CoolCo, and Golar LNG prepared the unit at Keppel Shipyard ahead of its job in Piombino. The FSRU now also has Snam’s logo.

According to its AIS data, the vessel was on Friday heading toward the Suez Canal where it is expected to arrive next week.

Growing demand

Prior to this deal, KN secured a contract from German energy firm Uniper to provide operational services for the FSRU-based LNG import facility in Wilhelmshaven.

This is Germany’s first operational LNG import facility.

According to KN, the company has up to date contributed to more than ten different LNG projects around the world.

Currently KN operates LNG terminals in Lithuania, Brazil and provides commercial LNG terminal operator services in Germany.

Darius Šilenskis, CEO of KN, sees “growing opportunities” for the company to take part in international LNG projects.

“Before the Russian invasion to Ukraine only six out of twenty-three potential LNG terminal projects in Europe were likely to be built. However, as the war continued – the number of such projects has almost tripled to seventeen,” he said in the statement.

He said that the firm continues to receive enquiries from such project developers, whether for advisory, operational or co-investment activities.

“Therefore, such increase in the demand for LNG terminal development in Europe opens up even more opportunities for us to utilize our existing knowledge and competences in the new international LNG projects,” he said.

Most Popular

South Korea’s Posco says first LNG carrier to start ops in H2

Posco International, a unit of South Korean steel producer Posco, plans to start shipping LNG with its first dedicated LNG carrier in the second half of this year.

Atlantic LNG shipping rates continue to decrease

Atlantic LNG freight shipping rates continued to decrease this week, while European prices also dropped compared to last week.

Canada’s Cedar LNG names FLNG

Canada’s Cedar LNG, a joint venture of Canada’s Pembina Pipeline and the Haisla Nation, has picked a name for its floating LNG facility, which will be located in the traditional territory of the Haisla Nation, on Canada’s West Coast.

More News Like This

Italian FSRU operator allocates 160 regasification slots

Italy’s OLT Offshore LNG Toscana, the operator of the FSRU Toscana, has allocated 160 regasification slots up to 2042 following the completion of multi-year capacity auctions.

Edison delivers Calcasieu Pass LNG cargo to Piombino FSRU

Italian energy firm Edison, a unit of EDF, has delivered the first Calcasieu Pass LNG cargo under its long-term deal with Venture Global LNG to Snam's FSRU-based terminal in the Italian port of Piombino.

KN awards contract for Klaipeda FSRU electrification project

Lithuanian LNG terminal operator KN Energies has selected a contractor to implement the Klaipeda LNG terminal electrification project.

Snam wraps up Ravenna FSRU commissioning

Snam's FSRU-based LNG import facility in Italy's Ravenna is ready to start commercial operations following the completion of the commissioning process.