The recently appointed Polish treasury minister, Andrzej Czerwiński, visited the Swinoujscie LNG terminal site where he held talks with operator Polskie LNG and representatives of the general contractor in charge of the terminal construction led by Saipem.
The start-up of the LNG import terminal, which was supposed to be completed in 2014, has been delayed for more than a year as Saipem demanded extra cash for completing the work.
“ The LNG terminal is one of my priorities. The government I am the member of is interested in fast completion of this investment under the conditions satisfactory for both parties. Owing to the investment in gas infrastructure implemented since 2009, Poland is already, to a large extent, independent from gas supplies from the East. The terminal will provide additional assurance for the country, ” Czerwiński said in a statement released by the Treasury Ministry on Monday.
According to the statement, Czerwiński committed Polskie LNG and the general contractor to submit regular reports on the progress of works and immediate notification of potential hindrances.
“ It must be ensured that misunderstandings do not hamper this investment so important for the country. I require you to act with determination and professionalism. You will be held accountable for effects ,” he said.
At present, the LNG terminal has been completed by about 97.8 percent. 100% of deliveries and installation of all equipment on the premises of the terminal have been completed.
“ In accordance with the announcements of the contractor, the first vessel carrying liquefied gas will enter the terminal in Świnoujście in 2015 ,” the statement added.
In the first stage of operation, Poland’s first LNG import terminal will enable the regasification of 5 Bcm of natural gas annually. Depending on the increase of demand for gas, it will be possible to increase the dispatch capacity up to 7.5 Bcm.
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LNG World News Staff; Image: Polskie LNG