Sea

© Vidmantas Matutis photo

Spausdinti   Supplement to article

2012 is the year which is important for Lithuania and its goal to build new liquefied natural gas terminal. The project plants are started to be implemented.

Time for real work

Since the beginning of this year, many important works for the building of LNG terminal are going under way. The works are connected to the top site for the construction of terminal in the port of Klaipeda, near the Kiaules Nugara Island. Klaipeda State Sea Port Authority has allocated 20 million LTL for the project in its 2012 estimate. For this money, all the necessary dredging works should be done. The terminal requires the depth of 14.5 meters. The main funds for the building of LNG piers will be allocated in 2013. When the site of LNG terminal is concluded, the documents needed for its building will be prepared. In reality, the building of piers could begin next year.

Everything is being prepared for the construction. A contest for engineering-geological studies is published. The piers are needed for de-gas unit as well as for mooring gas carriers. Klaipeda Oil implements the project and will select a contractor for building a de-gas unit. Three companies are participating in the selection. In addition to this, the assessment of LNG terminal and its impact to the environment are being carried out. Environmental Impact Assessment will be the final point by which the place of construction will be decided.

Tight schedule for adjustments

All questions regarding the building of LNG terminal and its operations are discussed openly. A lot of information is available on Klaipeda Oil website. This company also publishes a special edition of The Terminal. LNG terminal has been presented to public, through a special planning program. 14 institutions, which are going to assess the Environmental Impact Assessment, were presented to this program. The answer to the location of LNG terminal will be made in August this year.

Klaipeda City Municipality is among the most important in evaluating the Environmental Impact Assessment. The Municipality represents people and, thus, wants to know all the information relating to LNG terminal and how it will fit into the environment, living zones and operating businesses. LNG terminal’s Environmental Impact Assessment program is presented in the committees of City Council. The Impact Assessment is made as openly as possible in order to answer all the questions that may arise in the process. It is planned that the Environmental Impact Assessment will be decided upon on 26 January in the City Council.

Vice President of a joint Lithuanian-Swedish company Sweco Lithuania Aidas Vaisnoras claimed that Sweco Lithuania will try to answer all the questions raised by the Klaipeda City Municipality about the Environmental Impact Assessment. At the same time, it was inquired from the City Municipality to review the program as soon as possible because the works of LNG terminals have a tight schedule. The project is one of the most important construction projects in Lithuania; the country expects to receive its first gas carrier in December 2014.