As opposition to a gas storage ship permanently berthed in Marsaxlokk Bay grows, Enemalta argues that mooring the vessel out at sea would increase “project risk”.

“The gas and power project is a critical national project and shall be providing gas supply for the entire Maltese islands. Hence it is critical to opt for long-proven technologies,” a spokesman said.

There are only two floating LNG terminals in the Mediterranean - off Haifa and off the coast of Tuscany -  and both are relatively new projects.

In both instances the ships are connected to shore with an underwater pipeline – referred to as a gas buoy – through which gas flows to the power stations. Reuters reported last week that the Israeli gas buoy cost some €106 million to build.

The implications are that an offshore gas storage would therefore mean highest costs, a longer time to realise the project, and risks associated with the weather.

More on the e-paper on timesofmalta.com Premium.

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