Raidla Lejins & Norcous has provided legal advisory services to the Norwegian company Hoegh LNG regarding the Klaipeda liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal project, advising it on matters related to the FSRU Independence, a South Korea-built LNG carrier designed as a floating LNG storage and regasification unit to be used as an LNG import terminal in Lithuania.
According to an RLN statement, the project, which following the completion of construction has now entered the operational phase, “represents a historic milestone of national significance for Lithuania, ensuring alternative gas supply to Lithuania and enhancing energy independence and security both nationally and across the Baltic Region.”
The FSRU Independence can store 170 000 cubic meters of natural gas and is expected to supply all the natural gas required by Lithuania, making the country independent of natural gas from Russia.
The carrier was built by Hyundai in South Korea, and it arrived at Klaipeda in late October, 2015, after a five month cruise.
The Klaipeda LNG terminal — the first such terminal in the Baltic states — consists of the FSRU Independence, the jetty, and the pipeline. The terminal will serve as an alternative to the only currently available option of importing natural gas through pipelines from Russia. Natural gas will be delivered to the terminal by gas carriers. The LNG terminal was officially launched on December 3, 2014. According to RLN, with its launch, “Lithuania is the first in the Baltics to have secured an alternative source of gas supply.”
Raidla Lejins & Norcous advised and supported Hoegh LNG in obtaining security for project financing purposes, arranging for operation of the local office and lease of premises, and on employment and tax law matters. Extensive legal advice on aspects related to the arrival of the FSRU Independence included advising on immigration law matters, the application of a visa-free regime for workers, and obtaining work and residence permits for officers and workers on board the vessel.
Raidla Lejins & Norcous also assisted Hoegh LNG in dealing with the National Labour Exchange, the Klaipeda Territorial Labour Exchange, the Migration Department, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the State Border Guard Service.
The firm’s team was led by Managing Associate Auerys Sliavas. Managing Associate Maksimas Saveljevas and Tax Adviser Rokas Daugela also advised in the matter.
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