ElectroGas Malta said today it was “pleased to announce” that the gas tanker that will be berthed at Marsaxlokk to feed the gas-fired power station will arrive tomorrow, weather permitting.

“On arrival she will be berthed in an offshore location at Hurd’s Bank and will likely be bunkering overnight.

The vessel will then notify the Port Authorities about a suitable window to proceed to the pilot station on Monday and then enter the bay for sea trials after which it will then leave port again. A number of tests are to be performed for familiarisation as well as safety drills while the FSU is still empty and inert as the vessel is not currently laden with its cargo. The tests and simulations will continue in the subsequent days. These procedures are being coordinated between ElectroGas, BumiArmada and the Port Authorities.”

Electrogas said the FSU (Floating Storage Unit) vessel is an integral part of the gas power station project “designed to deliver cleaner and safer energy to Malta” and is the result of a comprehensive conversion undertaken by Bumi Armada at Keppel Shipyards in Singapore that involved an impressive 1.5 million working hours. The vessel has a capacity of around 125,000 cubic metres of LNG.

“The Armada LNG Mediterrana underwent rigorous safety testing and trials before departing for Malta from its original berth in Singapore with armed guards accompanying the vessel throughout its journey as is standard protocol for most ocean going vessels as a mitigation measure against piracy in specific vulnerable areas. The Armada LNG Mediterrana journeyed through the Suez Canal following a customary waiting time and is now making its way to Malta’s shores.

The jetty, on-site at Delimara is ready to receive the FSU to berth alongside safely having also been through rigorous safety and security testing over the past months.”

Electrogas also produced the glitzy video above of the tanker on its ocean journey to Malta.