Gimi MS Corp., a subsidiary of Golar LNG Ltd, received written notification of a force majeure claim) from BP Mauritania Investments Ltd (BP) under the Lease and Operate Agreement, dated February 26, 2019, between the Company and BP (the “Agreement”), relating to the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project.
The Notice received from BP claims that due to the recent outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) around the globe, BP is not able to be ready to receive the floating liquefied natural gas facility “GIMI” on the target connection date in 2022.
BP estimates at this stage that the consequential delay caused by the claimed force majeure event is in the order of one year and that it is not currently possible to mitigate or shorten this delay. Golar has asked BP to clarify how a force majeure event discovered as recently as the end of March 2020 could immediately impact the schedule by an estimated one year.
Based on the information received as of today the Company is engaging in clarification and an active dialogue with BP to establish the duration of the delay and the extent to which this has been caused by the claimed force majeure event. However, in anticipation of a potential delay, the Company has commenced discussions with its main building contractor, Keppel Shipyard Limited (“Keppel”), to re-schedule activities in order to reduce and reprofile its capital spending commitments for 2020 and 2021.
The Company is evaluating the Notice and reserves all of its rights under the Agreement.
About Golar LNG Ltd.
Golar LNG Limited (NASDAQ: GLNG) is one of the world's largest independent owners and operators of LNG carriers with over 40 years of LNG industry experience. Golar LNG together with Golar Partners own and manage a fleet of 26 LNG Carriers and FSRUs. Golar's innovation delivered the world's first Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRU) based on the conversion of existing LNG carriers. Golar's latest strategic move is to extend its business model further upstream by deploying its floating liquefaction technology (GoFLNG). The objective is to become the industry's leading integrated midstream LNG services provider, supporting resource owners, gas producers and gas consumers.
About BP
BP (NYSE:BP) is one of the world's largest oil and gas companies, serving millions of customers every day in more than 80 countries, and employing nearly 85,000 people. BP's business segments are oil and gas exploration & production, and refining & marketing. In alternative energies, BP has low- and no-carbon wind and biofuels businesses. Through these activities, BP provides fuel for transportation; energy for heat and light; services for motorists; and petrochemicals products for plastics, textiles and food packaging. It has strong positions in many of the world's hydrocarbons basins and strong market positions in key economies.