A consortium led by Total – the Côte d'Ivoire GNL, or CI-GNL – has been awarded the rights to construct and operate a three-million-tonne-a-year liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification terminal in Côte d'Ivoire.
The regasification terminal project, which is expected to be operational by mid-2018, includes the construction of a terminal with a floating storage and regasification unit in Vridi, in the Abidjan area, as well as a pipeline connecting the unit to existing and planned power plants in the region and to regional markets connected to the Ivorian network.
Total, which is operating the project, in which it has a 34% stake, will use the terminal to supply LNG volumes from its global portfolio in proportion to its participating interest in the project.
The other consortium members include national companies PetroCI, which holds an 11% stake, and CI Energies, which holds a 5% stake, as well as Socar with a 26% interest, Shell with a 13% interest, Golar with a 6% interest and Endeavor Energy, with 5%.
“This project illustrates Total's strategy to develop new gas markets by unlocking access to LNG for fast-growing economies. Working closely with our partners enabled us to put together an integrated proposal combining LNG supply and import infrastructure through a floating storage and regasification unit,” said Total gas, renewables and power president Philippe Sauquet.
A decision by the Côte d'Ivoire government was taken in October to enable the country to become the first regional LNG import hub in West Africa and to meet both regional and domestic demand.