Shell, Sembcorp among 4 short-listed in second stage to import LNG into Singapore

The Energy Market Authority (EMA) has short-listed four companies to participate in stage two of its Request-for-Proposal (RFP) to import the next tranche of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) into Singapore.

The short-listed companies are BG Singapore Gas Marketing Pte Ltd, Pavilion Gas Pte Ltd, Sembcorp Industries and Shell Eastern Petroleum (Pte) Ltd.

Stage two will take place from May 29, 2015 to February 29, 2016. During this period, the four short-listed companies will negotiate and enter into binding commitments with potential LNG buyers, and submit their proposals to EMA by 11.00am (Singapore time) on closing date for evaluation.

EMA will appoint up to two companies to import LNG for Singapore. The appointed importer(s) will each be awarded an exclusive franchise to import and sell LNG in Singapore. This franchise will be valid for three years from the date of licence issuance, or when they have sold 1 Mtpa of LNG, whichever is earlier.

In February 2014, EMA introduced a Competitive Licensing Framework to provide Singapore with the flexibility to procure LNG on a tranche-by-tranche basis, to meet incremental market demand.

In June 2014, EMA launched stage one of a two-stage RFP process to appoint up to two importers to meet the next tranche of Singapore's LNG demand. Stage one closed on December 31, 2014 and saw nine bids from 10 companies.

"As the bids received were very competitive and demonstrated a high level of quality in both price and non-price terms, EMA has short-listed four companies to participate in Stage Two, instead of up to three companies as originally envisaged,'' EMA said.

EMA is a statutory board under the Ministry of Trade and Industry.