Liquefied natural gas tanker ETYFA-Prometheas is currently stationed in the Malacca Strait in Malaysia, where it is undergoing technical inspections, according to Cyprus’ Energy Minister George Papanastasiou. The ship, which departed Shanghai on December 14, has been anchored since Christmas Eve, where independent evaluators are assessing its condition.
Papanastasiou explained that the choice of Malaysia for the assessment was strategic, citing the availability of “more professional and extensive services” there. The inspections are a crucial step for ensuring the vessel’s readiness as part of Cyprus’ evolving energy infrastructure, since it will operate as a floating gas plant.
The minister also addressed Cyprus’ potential participation in the share capital of the Great Sea Interconnector, a project linking Cyprus, Greece and Israel via a subsea electricity cable. Papanastasiou sent a letter to his Greek counterpart, Thodoros Skylakakis, this month, outlining Nicosia’s advisors’ comments on the matter.
No response has been received from Athens yet, but Papanastasiou emphasized that while Skylakakis’ input will significantly influence Cyprus’ final decision, it will not determine it.