A consortium CI-GNL, headed by Total, has been granted rights by the Ivorian Government to construct and operate a liquefied natural gas (LNG) re-gasification terminal with a capacity of 3 million tons per year in the country. The decision, which was made known by the Government on October 4^th, was followed by the signature of the shareholders’ agreement in Abidjan between Total, PetroCI, CI Energies, SOCAR, Shell, Golar and Endeavor Energy.

The project involves the building of a terminal with a floating storage and re-gasification unit (FSRU) in Vridi, Abidjan area, and a pipeline linking the FSRU to current and planned power plants in Abidjan, as well as to regional markets related to the Ivorian network. This project will make Ivory Coast become the first regional LNG import Hub in West Africa, and allow the country to meet both regional and domestic demand. The re-gasification terminal project is expected to begin operation by mid-2018.

“This 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. We are very pleased to have been selected by the Ivorian authorities to manage this project, which will meet growing domestic and regional needs for gas and power,” Philippe Sauquet (photo), President Gas, Renewables and Power of Total, told Energy-pedia.

Total will operate the project with a 34% interest while PetroCI, CI Energies, SOCAR, Shell, Golar and Endeavor Energy will hold 11%, 5%, 26%, 13%, 6% and 5% interests respectively.

Anita Fatunji