Russian gas producer Novatek announced that Yamal LNG has commenced producing liquefied natural gas (LNG) at the first LNG train, with a capacity of 5.5 million tons per annum.
The first cargo loading is scheduled on 8 December 2017 at the Sabetta port, using the first Arc7 ice-class LNG tanker named the ‘Christophe de Margerie’, the first of the 15 ice-class LNG carriers specifically built for the project.
Operated by a joint-venture of Novatek (50.1%), French Total (20%), CNPC (20%) and Silk Road Fund (9.9%), the project consists of construction of an LNG plant with an output capacity of around 16.5 million tons per year, using the South Tambey Field as a resource base. The field’s proven and probable reserves, by PRMS standards, are estimated at 926 billion cubic meters. Extensive transportation infrastructure is being built in the scope of the Project, including a sea port and the Sabetta Airport.
“This event marks a milestone accomplishment for the Yamal LNG project. The commencement of LNG production begins a new chapter in our corporate history. Many contractors and suppliers from Russia and abroad were involved in this project. We have received great support from the Russian government in implementing this project,” noted the Chairman of Novatek’s Management Board, Leonid Mikhelson.
The project is expected to produce around 16.5 million tonnes of LNG per year. Together with the ‘Arctic LNG 2‘ project by Novatek, China Development Bank and the CNPC on the Gydan Peninsula by 2023, they are expected to produce around 70 million tonnes per annum.
