S'pore gas players eyeing LNG aggregator role

LEADING local gas players, such as Temasek-owned Pavilion Energy, Sembcorp and Keppel Corporation, are eyeing the coveted role of becoming Singapore's next LNG aggregator or buyer.

This follows Energy Market Authority's release last Friday of a final determination paper stating that it will kick off a two-stage selection process for this in Q2. The regulator indicated that it could appoint up to two importers for this second LNG tranche, with the buyer being local or foreign. EMA chief executive Chee Hong Tat has also invited international players, many of whom have set up LNG desks here, to participate in the request for proposals (RFP), adding that they could do so as individual corporations, as part of a consortium, or even in joint venture with Singapore parties.

EMA added that "their ability to support the development of a trading hub in Singapore" will also be taken into account."