South Pacific island nation New Caledonia is opting to reissue a new enquiry for a planned floating LNG import solution backed by French government funding after it received a large number of offers in response to its first approach to the market.
Those tracking the business said New Caledonia, which in the last few days narrowly rejected independence from France in a referendum, has said it will call for new expressions of interest shortly.
An earlier enquiry is understood to have attracted more than 20 offers.
Prospective bidders have been told that power needs for the project have since risen.
In May, TradeWinds reported that offers were due in June on the mini LNG import solution with a preferred bidder due to be named by November.
The imports are needed to supply French multinational mining and metallurgy company Eramet’s power plant in Doniambo, near the capital city of Noumea on the island of Grande Terre, which is switching over to gas by 2023 to 2024.
New Caledonia, which boasts a marine lagoon, coral barrier reef and waters popular with divers, is expected to require a small-scale and unobtrusive floating regasification solution.
The French government is backing the LNG import project with €320m ($376m) in funding.
