The long-delayed liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal project in Vasiliko is facing urgent repair and maintenance needs, according to recent warnings from the project’s engineering consultant.
As the Ministry of Energy and DEFA-ETYFA continue negotiations with Chinese firm CPP for the delivery of the FSRU Prometheus to Cyprus, Hill International, the Owner’s Engineer for the Vasilikos LNG terminal project, has issued stark warnings about the deteriorating condition of the marine infrastructure.
In two written interventions in September, Hill International cautioned that without immediate action to complete, maintain, and protect the equipment submerged in the sea at Vasilikos, additional severe damage from corrosion could occur.
This damage would require significant time and resources to repair.
The engineering firm’s contract with ETYFA formally expired on August 30, but it continues to provide services to the state-owned company.
Hill International is seeking a contract renewal and urging the expedited resumption of works to complete the jetty and other onshore infrastructure.
Recent technical assessments revealed that 378 piles have been installed for the jetty, representing 50% of the total.
These piles have been exposed to the marine environment for nearly two years without proper anti-corrosion protection. Of particular concern are 130 piles without pile caps, which are at high risk of irreparable movement.
Hill International warned that the installed steel reinforcement bars for the pile caps are exposed to the marine environment, risking exceeding the permissible corrosion limit. This could necessitate their replacement.
The consultant also highlighted that much of the delivered equipment has been exposed at the construction site for over a year, with expired warranties.
This prolonged storage period means that re-certification will be necessary before installation, a time-consuming and costly process.
A separate technical study conducted by ASD Hyperstatic Engineering Design LLC for the subcontractor consortium VPSM reportedly showed evidence of corrosion and oxidation on the piles and other equipment of the unfinished platform.
The project’s delays and deteriorating conditions have raised concerns among members of the parliamentary Energy Committee about potential impacts on the structural and seismic capacity of the metal construction.
As negotiations continue, a significant amount of materials and constructions remain stored at Limassol port facilities, incurring monthly rental costs of tens of thousands of euros.
