Egypt’s decision to install four floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs) was aimed at increasing security of supply and reducing its dependence on piped Israeli gas amid growing tensions between the two countries (MEES, 4 July). While many market onlookers had assumed Cairo’s reliance on the FSRUs would be reduced during the milder autumn and winter months, the planned shutdowns of Israel’s Chevron-operated 1.0bn cfd Tamar and 1.2bn cfd Leviathan during portions of October and November have meant LNG imports continue at near record levels.
In late October, Tamar was shut in for 12 days, and on 11 November Leviathan flows were reduced for 20 days as Chevron began planned maintenance linked to the field’s expansion to 1.45bn cfd (MEES, 14 November). (CONTINUED - 1048 WORDS)
