The Natural Gas Public Company (DEFA) has begun assessing eight companies for the contract to complete the liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal at Vasilikos, aiming to award it before summer 2027. DEFA chairman Giorgos Pistentis said problems from the past had been taken into account in drawing up the selection criteria so that they would not be repeated.
The contract, estimated at 180 million euros, is expected to run for two years and will be awarded on the best price-quality ratio, taking into account both technical and financial factors.
Initial results showed participation was very satisfactory, according to Pistentis. “From the names, it appears there are companies that can take on the project,” he said, adding that DEFA was satisfied with the interest shown.
Expressions of interest closed on October 9, when the submissions were opened, and the evaluation began immediately afterwards. DEFA aims to complete the shortlisting before the end of 2026. The eProcurement platform gives January 11, 2027 as the deadline for sending invitations to bid, but Pistentis said efforts were being made to send them out in 2026. He did not rule out the process being completed before the summer 2027 target.
The eight are AVAX S.A., The Petroleum Projects and Technical Consultations Company (PETROJET), China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd, TERNA S.A., ECOnnect Energy, Saipem S.p.A., Baran International Ltd and Archirodon Construction (Overseas) Company Limited, according to data published on the Treasury of the Republic’s tender system.
Selection will be based on factors including the companies’ capability, experience and financial soundness. The current stage does not yet involve assessing full technical and financial bids, because the companies have not received the specifications, Pistentis added. Instead, it is examining whether they are equipped to complete the project.
Shortlisted companies will then be invited to bid on specifications and criteria still to be set. Consultants are preparing the second-phase criteria with DEFA’s technical department and the Public Procurement Authority, and Pistentis stressed that the evaluation would not be limited to the financial side.
A special evaluation committee is carrying out the assessment and will report to the board of DEFA and the Natural Gas Infrastructure Company (ETYFA) when it finishes. Pistentis said the process was being handled with the necessary confidentiality and care, and that decisions would be announced once the relevant stages were over.
(Information from Cyprus News Agency)
