CORRECTED-Crunch time for Croatia LNG terminal schedule

(Corrects quote in paragraph 16 to make clear LNG terminal near Trieste is onshore, not offshore)

By Igor Ilic

ZAGREB, Nov 6 (Reuters) - Croatia's Adriatic liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal has reached a critical point if it is to remain on schedule and become operational in 2014, a leading representative of investors said on Friday.

"It's still feasible, but it's a challenge," said Michael Mertl who heads the Adria LNG consortium comprising four foreign energy firms.

In an interview with Reuters he said that the consortium was looking forward to the Croatian companies joining as soon as possible to give a boost to this preparation phase.

"We're looking forward to have Croatian partners with us as we cannot make proper planning of commercial contracts without their input. We cannot wait any longer to maintain a chance to become operational in 2014. At the moment we have no indications when they will join," Mertl said.

The Adria LNG consortium now comprises Germany's E.ON-Ruhrgas EONG.DE, Austria's OMV (OMVV.VI: Quote, Profile, Research), France's Total (TOTF.PA: Quote, Profile, Research) and the Geoplin gas firm from Slovenia.

The Croatian side -- including oil group INA INA.ZA (HINAq.L: Quote, Profile, Research), state power board HEP and state-owned gas pipeline operator Plinacro -- should have a 25-percent stake in the joint venture.

Their participation had been announced by officials more than a year ago, but little has happened since.