BEIRUT: The first of two Turkish electricity-generating ships aimed at helping resolve Lebanon’s endemic power shortages anchored at Beirut Port Monday, a port official told The Daily Star.
“The ship docked at Beirut Port this morning [Monday],” the official said.
Karadeniz Powership Fatmagul Sultan, which departed from Istanbul on Feb. 8, entered Lebanese territorial waters Saturday.
The ship had initially been expected to dock near the Zouk power plant, some 14 kilometers north of the capital.
In July 2012, Lebanon signed a $360 million three-year contract to lease electricity-generating barges from the Turkish firm. The two barges combined are expected to generate 270 MW of electricity.
Lebanon suffers from severe electricity shortages as the country only produces 1,500 MW per day while consumption exceeds 2,400 MW.
Preparations are under way to receive the second barge at the Jiyieh power plant, south of Beirut, during the coming few months.
Speaking to reporters Friday, Energy Minister Gebran Bassil said the two barges would allow Electricite du Liban to reduce power rationing in Lebanon by between two and three hours every day.
According to the contract, the Turkish company is obliged to pay a fine to the Lebanese government if it fails to deliver the two barges on time.