Sardinia LNG terminal gathers pace

Reganosa has been awarded the operations and comprehensive maintenance contract for the new Higas import, storage, and distribution LNG terminal that is being constructed in the Port of Oristano on the west of the island. The terminal is in the final phase of construction and facilities are expected to be operational in the first half of 2021.

Majority-owned by Avenir LNG, the Higas terminal includes a jetty capable of receiving LNG vessel up to 20,000 cubic metres, an unloading arm, six horizontal cryogenic holding tanks (1,500cbm each), two LNG truck loading bays, and a natural gas captive power generation system. The terminal can load in excess of 8,000 LNG trucks each year (some 180,000t), for subsequent distribution to smaller satellite stations across the island.

Sardinia currently lacks a system of access to natural gas and only a small number of industrial customers receive LNG by truck which is brought to the island by ferry.

Small-scale debut

The Sardinia project will see Reganosa make its international debut in the segment of small-scale solutions.

Reganosa is involved in the floating LNG terminal at the Port of Tema in Ghana; the Mugardos (owned by Reganosa) and Oristano onshore terminals; and the mixed terminal in Delimara, Malta. These facilities have a wide range of storage: from 9,000 to 300,000cbm.

Reganosa Services was launched in 2015 to offer the knowledge and experience of the group in studies, project designs, consulting, engineering, and asset management.

Avenir LNG has an 80% stake in Higas. Italian partners Gas & Heat and CPL Concordia each hold a 10% stake in the project.