Kronos contracts cover production and export infrastructure

Eni signed contracts worth $1.8 billion for infrastructure intended to extract gas from the Kronos field in Block 6 of Cyprus’s exclusive economic zone and transport it to Egypt, the Cyprus Mail reported. The plan would use Eni-operated infrastructure near Egypt’s Zohr field to deliver the gas to the Segas liquefied natural gas terminal at Damietta for liquefaction and export, primarily to European markets.

The contracts cover subsea production systems, export pipelines, flexible flowlines, pipeline installation, composite cables, a floating control unit, a new pipeline to Egypt and an offshore drilling rig. Contractors include Baker Hughes, Dalmine, TechnipFMC, McDermott, Oceaneering, China Merchants Heavy Industry, Petrojet and Saipem.

Eni made its final investment decision in July and has estimated that Kronos holds more than three trillion cubic feet of natural gas. The company has proposed a fast-track development, while Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides has said the goal is to sell the first gas through Egypt in 2028.

Turkey extends survey work for proposed northern route

Separately, Turkey issued a navigational warning extending seabed surveys through December 31 for a planned gas pipeline between Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot-administered north of Cyprus, Turkish Minute reported. Ships have been asked to keep clear of four survey vessels: Denar Pathfinder, Denar Echo, Denar Explorer and Kirici. The activity remains survey work for a proposed project, rather than construction under signed building contracts.

The proposed route would run 101 kilometres from Anamur in Turkey’s Mersin province to the Teknecik power station near Kyrenia, including 97 kilometres beneath the Mediterranean. Plans call for two parallel, bidirectional pipelines. Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar has said Turkey aims to finish engineering work by the end of the year and put the system into operation in 2028.

The Republic of Cyprus opposes the proposal, arguing that the July 10 agreement between Turkish and Turkish Cypriot officials violates its sovereignty and international law. Turkish Cypriot officials reject that position and say they can make their own energy-development decisions.