Russia's largest independent natural gas producer Novatek announced Thursday its shipment of the first cargo of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Yamal LNG project to Japan transported eastbound via the Northern Sea Route.
The transfer was made through Novatek Gas and Power Asia, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Novatek, the company said.
The LNG cargo delivery by the LNG tanker 'Vladimir Rusanov' marks the company's first successful experience of entering and unloading an Arc 7 ice-class LNG tanker in a Japanese port, allowing the company to increase the volume of LNG supplies to Japan.
'The future launch of a transshipment terminal in Kamchatka will significantly expand our opportunities to cost competitively deliver and supply LNG to the entire Asia-Pacific region,' noted Lev Feodosyev, Novatek's first deputy chairman.
The Yamal LNG natural gas liquefaction plant began operations in 2017.
The plant, located on the Arctic Yamal Peninsula, has an output capacity of around 17 million tons per year.
Novatek holds the majority stake in the project at 50.1%, French Total owns 20%, and Chinese company CNPC has a 20% stake, while the Silk Road Fund holds a 9.9% share.
'We focus a significant amount of attention to develop and enhance the logistical scheme for our LNG projects,' Feodosyev, said.
By Sibel Morrow
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr