ISLAMABAD: The Port Qasim Authority (PQA) has identified Jharri Creek/ChanWaddo as potential LNG zone for future LNG terminal.
Sources said that MoMA officials informed the ECC in Tuesday’s meeting that traffic congestion issues arising out of incoming LNG vessels was discussed in recent ECC meetings.
PQA has identified Jharri Creek/ChanWaddo area for establishment of additional LNG terminal because locating LNG terminal in this place will have no adverse impact on normal port traffic as the site is on alternative channel away from the main port which would be connected through a pipeline network of about 25 KMs.
In addition to this, the drought/depth at the location is also feasible which will accommodate LNG carries Q Flex Vessels.
Sources said that MoMA officials informed the ECC that future LNG terminal would await result of the scientific study as PQA identified above stated place without scientific study but now on the direction of MoMA, PQA is conducting study and is expected to be completed within six month.
Officials also informed that all future LNG terminals shall be contracted without any guaranteed payment by the government on BOT basis and in order to ensure security of supply of LNG, all future LNG terminal projects to involve training of local Pakistani staff for terminal and FSU/FSRU operations.
Moreover, the third LNG terminal ought to be developed at the identified LNG zone in the vicinity of Jharri Creek/ChanWaddo. PQA shall be authorized to advertise accordingly, inviting application for development of one LNG terminal with 20 months of award of contract. PQA board should work out the modalities to ensure safeguarding the interest and workout terms and condition, sources added.
Sources further said that the two existing LNG terminals at PQA have been contracted on take-or-leave basis costing government more than 0.5 million dollar per day which places undue financial burden on the government.
There is also a need to ensure that the supply of LNG is not interrupted due to war or any other contingency, officials further informed the forum that government needs to ensure that FSRU is not withdrawn by the owner of any pretext what so ever.
According to hand out issued by Ministry of finance that MoMA briefed the ECC on matters relating to establishment of new LNG terminals at Port Qasim.
The Committee was informed that the PQA was looking at various choices with a view to find the most viable option. The Committee gave instructions to expedite the matter and directed for completion of all formalities for setting up the new terminal expeditiously keeping in view the growing energy needs of the country.
