Butkevicius: LNG project must be monitored all the time

VILNIUS - The implementation process of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Klaipeda must be monitored all the time, said Lithuanian Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevicius who Thursday paid a visit to Klaipeda State Seaport Authority to discuss the issues of the projected LNG terminal.

"Today we were introduced to the plan of measures of the LNG terminal, one of the most important projects to Lithuania. We have also discussed the performance and prospects. We are most of all concerned about the deadlines. If we want to have the terminal ready by 2015, the timetable has to be very strict, while work has to be very intensive and focused," the PM said after a visit to Klaipeda State Seaport Authority.

"All the institutions involved in the construction of the LNG terminal in Klaipeda are working successfully and stick to the plan so far: Klaipedos Nafta is building a jetty, while Klaipeda State Seaport Authority is engaged in dredging. However, the process of building the LNG terminal must be monitored and controlled all the time. In order to do it, the former working group of representatives of all those involved in the project has to be revived. The ministers will have to exchange information at least once a month to have all the issues rising from the terminal's construction dealt with as soon and efficient as possible," Butkevicius said.

As reported, LNG operations are planned to be launched by December of 2014.

The state owns 72.32 percent of Klaipedos Nafta shares.