Chinese Firm Set to Build Morocco’s First Floating LNG Terminal

China Communications Construction Co appears to be the favorite to execute the project to build the first floating regasification unit in Morocco, for which the Call for Expressions of Interest (AMI) has already been launched by the Ministry of Energy. The project aims to address any potential supply difficulties of gas in Morocco, after Algeria’s decision not to renew the concession contract for the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline (GME) which expired at the end of October 2021. This infrastructure should allow Morocco to receive liquefied natural gas (LNG) by ship and connect it directly to its gas network.

To read: Chinese Giant CCCC in Running for Morocco’s First Floating Regasification Unit

Rabat will finalize, by the end of the year, the selection procedure for the company to which it will entrust the construction of this first floating regasification unit. The Chinese giant is likely to win this project which will help restart the Ain Beni Mathar and Tahaddart combined cycle plants that have been shut down since the closure of the GME. Yet, this combined cycle contributes alone to 18% of thermal production and covers 10% of the country’s electricity demand.

To read: Chinese State-Owned Group Eyes Morocco’s Marrakech-Agadir High-Speed Rail Project

China has a long history of collaboration with Morocco. It has been a great support to the kingdom in the face of the Covid-19 crisis by providing it with Sinopharm vaccine doses. The relations between King Mohammed VI and President Xi Jinping have also been strengthened during this period. In addition to health, China cooperates with Morocco in the military field and many other sectors.