Regional LNG: Singapore to select contractor for LNG study in Dec

More than two dozen groups are vying to carry out a feasibility study into the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to help meet Singapore's growing power needs, Business Times of Singapore reported Tuesday.

"We expect to short-list by early October, after which shortlisted companies will be invited to submit their tender within a month," said EMA spokeswoman Choo Wai Chan, adding that the target date for appointment is December 2004.

EMA has released a list to Business Times showing 26 groups have bid to carry out a feasibility study.

Japanese names dominate the initial list. They include LNG Japan Corporation, Osaka Gas Engineering, Kansai Electric Power, Tokyo Electric Power, and Tokyo Gas Engineering.

There are plenty of European, American and other players too, like Shell Global Solutions, Conoco, Schlumberger, Aker Kvaerner, Kellogg Brown & Root, Hyundai Engineering, Foster Wheeler, Gaffney, Cline & Associates, PA Consulting and Jurong Consultants.

The 26 names do not include others partnering them, such as consultant Facts Inc with oil service firm Schlumberger, or SembGas with Kansai Electric. (*)