Russian gas producer Novatek PJSC appears to be pushing ahead with construction of the next production line at the Arctic LNG 2 plant, which is designed to include three production lines T1, T2 and T3, despite sanctions from the US and its Western allies.
A small fleet of tugboats towing the T2 production line approached the plant site on August 17, Bloomberg reported, citing ship tracking data.
The platform left its construction site near Murmansk on July 25, embarking on a three-week journey across the eastern Arctic to reach the production area where the T1 line is already operational, ship tracking data shows.
Arctic LNG 2 is a key pillar of Russia’s strategy to expand its share of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) market. A growing global market could help Moscow offset lower pipeline gas exports since Russia launched its military campaign in Ukraine 30 months ago.
Novatek's Arctic LNG 2 project is a key pillar in Russia's strategy to expand its share of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) market. Photo: Moscow Times
As part of its response to Russia's campaign, the US imposed sanctions on the Arctic LNG 2 project last year, aimed at cutting off energy revenues flowing into the Kremlin's "war chest".
Washington’s restrictions have blocked the delivery of icebreakers needed to export Russian LNG, delaying shipments for months. But satellite imagery shows two vessels recently leaving the plant, suggesting Russia has managed to circumvent the restrictions, possibly using a “shadow fleet” like it does with crude.
The T2 production line platform appears identical to T1, measuring about 330 meters long and about 150 meters wide, according to satellite imagery from the Copernicus Space Data Ecosystem.
The T1 production line, which was delivered to the production site a year ago, weighs about 640,000 tonnes and is the heaviest object ever moved in the history of the global LNG industry, according to Novatek.
It is unclear when output from the new unit might begin, but T1 took more than four months to start up after arriving at the site on the Gydan Peninsula a year ago. A similar schedule would mean LNG from the new facility could flow to market this December, in line with Novatek’s 2024 target.
Exports from the platform may not begin until next summer, when warmer weather means LNG carriers no longer need to have ice-breaking capabilities, according to Kpler Ltd.
“Kpler Insight does not expect the T2 line to start loading until the summer of 2025, when the Northern Sea Route reopens and conventional vessels can once again be used to load cargo,” said Laura Page, an analyst at the research firm.
Novatek did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Aug. 17.
Arctic LNG 2 was originally designed to consist of three production lines with a total capacity of 19.8 million tonnes per year. However, sanctions have actually delayed the T3 line, according to TotalEnergies SE, which owns a 10% stake in the project.
Minh Duc (According to Bloomberg)
Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/dien-bien-moi-tai-du-an-lng-cua-nga-o-bac-cuc-dang-bi-my-trung-phat-204240818210032662.htm
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