Api Nova Wins Italian LNG Terminal Approval

As part the country's efforts to improve security of energy supply, Italy has given approval to Gruppo Api, for its Falconara liquefied natural gas project.

The 4 billion cubic metre (bcm) off shore liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal near Falconara Marittima on the Adriatic coast by Api Nova Energia.

Italy, which depends on energy imports, has two LNG terminals and a series of projects, which are at various stages of permitting processes.

The terminal will use the group's existing platform for loading oil tankers, 16 km off the coast, and will be linked to the shore by a submarine pipeline.  The floating storage unit tankers equipped with onboard regasification units will be docked at the floating platform to unload the gas, the company said.

Marche region authorities have an option to take a stake of up to 30 percent in the project.

The new terminal, which has already received positive environmental and safety evaluations, is expected to start up by 2015.