State-run Philippine National Oil Co. is inviting bidders to participate in the selection of a joint venture partner to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Batangas liquefied natural gas hub in Batangas Bay.
PNOC said it also sought approval of the Department of Energy to classify the hub an energy project of national significance under Executive Order 30 to streamline the permit process.
PNOC set a pre-eligibility conference on November 16 and urged interested parties to submit letters of interest.
The joint venture selection committee created by PNOC in September will administer the competitive selection process while the Asian Development Bank will act as transaction advisor.
PNOC president Reuben Lista earlier said more companies expressed interest to participate in the solicited tender process for PNOC’s LNG terminal.
“The group of Chevron, NYK, Jera, accompanied by an American consul representing an American firm, called on PNOC and expressed interest,” Lista said.