25/038 – Provision, long-term charter, operation and maintenance of a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) for Ireland’s Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve

This notice establishes a qualification system for economic operators capable of providing, by the long-term supply (by ownership or charter or an equivalent arrangement), the operation, management and maintenance of a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) and associated services to support Ireland’s Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve. The Qualification System comprises two lots: Lot 1 for long‑term strategic gas emergency reserve services using an FSRU (to be the subject of an Initial Competition), and Lot 2 for short‑term strategic gas emergency reserve services using an FSRU as a bridging vessel (which GNI may run only if required). Qualified operators must be able to supply an FSRU capable of delivering up to approximately 416 MMSCF/day of natural gas, with readiness to move from standby to full send out within 24 hours, and meeting the Irish gas transmission system gas quality specification and odorisation requirements, including delivery at pipeline entry pressures up to circa 85 barg and receipt of LNG via side by side ship to ship transfer. Outside emergency deployment, the FSRU will predominantly operate on standby with minimal routine regasification; periodic operation may be required for assurance and maintenance purposes. Associated onshore and marine infrastructure (including any jetty, onshore terminal and pipeline works) are not included within the scope of this qualification system and will be the subject of a separate procurement; however, the successful contractor(s) may be required to provide and/or coordinate necessary ancillary services to support safe and reliable operations, including catering services, crew logistics, waste and residue handling and offtake, fender storage and management, and utilities support as appropriate to FSRU operations. Contracts may be awarded to qualified operators without further publication. Further details, including technical, legal and financial requirements for qualification, are set out in the qualification system documents and will be further specified at call‑off stage.