Poland’s Gaz-System moving forward with FSRU project

Polish gas transmission operator, Gaz-System said Monday it has taken a step forward with plans to install a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) in the Bay of Gdansk located on the Baltic Sea.

Gaz-System, that also operates Poland’s first LNG terminal in Swinoujscie, completed the tendering procedure related to the feasibility study for the FSRU project including preparatory works for the project’s implementation, it said in a statement.

The study covers all necessary aspects including preparatory works for the implementation of the “strategic industrial project” for Polish economy, allowing to import from 4.1 up to 8.1 billion cubic meters (Bcm) of LNG per annum to Poland and its neighboring countries, according to the company.

Aside from its basic service consisting in supplying the national grid with regasified natural gas, the FSRU will be also capable to provide additional services like either reloading the LNG to smaller tankers or bunkering natural gas-fueled vessels.

Gaz-System said that the region of Gdansk Bay had been indicated as the potential location for the FSRU.

“On 8th of March 2017, Gaz-System completed the analysis of the bids’ conformity with the provisions of the terms of reference and announced the final decision,” it said.

According to the Polish company, all the bidders were allowed to lodge an appeal until March 21.

Currently, the tender procedure is being completed and Gaz-System expects to conclude the agreement with the contractor until the end of March.

Eight bidders took part in the tendering process, it said.

Completion of the works and the feasibility study are scheduled to take place in November this year.

The FSRU is expected to commence operations in the first half of 2021, on condition that Gaz-System takes a final investment decision.

Gaz-System expects the total costs of the investment together with required infrastructure to reach about 3 billion zlotys ($764 million).