An LNG tanker which is to be berthed in Marsaxlokk as part of the new Delimara gas power station has set sail from Singapore harbour.

The LNG Armada Mediterrana will pass through the Malacca Strait on its way to the Sri Lankan port of Galle, where it is expected to arrive on Sunday night. From there it will continue its journey to the Mediterranean. 

The tanker's departure comes 43 days after Prime Minister Joseph Muscat attended a sailing away ceremony for it. Minister without Portfolio Konrad Mizzi also attended the ceremony.  

At the time, officials predicted the tanker would be in Malta some time in September, but that target is now likely to be missed.

The tanker sailed out of Singapore harbour on sea trials last week but then returned for final touches.

The tanker is an essential part of the new gas-fired power station, as it will supply LNG to the onshore regassificator. This will, in turn, feed gas to the new power station being built by Electrogas and the BWSC plant that is being converted by its Chinese owners to work on gas.

Marsaxlokk residents have expressed concern about having a large LNG carrier berthed permanently in their town, and maritime risk studies related to the tanker have not been published. 

Dr Muscat and Dr Mizzi (middle and second from right) at the tanker's sailing-away ceremony. Photo: DOIDr Muscat and Dr Mizzi (middle and second from right) at the tanker's sailing-away ceremony. Photo: DOI

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