The almost 16-month-long repair operation at Equinor ASA’s Hammerfest liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Norway has been extended a few months more as the company deals with impacts from the latest Covid-19 variant.

The Norwegian company reported plans Monday to push start-up of the 4.3 million metric tons/year terminal from the end of March to May 17, further delaying its return to service after a September 2020 fire.

“The latest wave of infections, combined with restrictions and narrow working areas, impacts the progress. At times, half of staff have been in quarantine and isolation,” Hammerfest LNG Plant Manager Thor Johan Haave said.

Hammerfest LNG liquefies gas from the Snohvit field in the Barents Sea. French major TotalEnergies SE and Singapore’s Pavilion...