Angola LNG commences production

Angola LNG has confirmed that liquefied natural gas (LNG) production has safely commenced at the Angola LNG plant in Soyo and that its first cargo has been shipped. This marks the first new LNG supply to come on-stream since 2010, and provides a new source to meet the increasing global demand for LNG.

The US$ 10 billion project will collect and transport natural gas from offshore Angola to an onshore liquefaction plant on the coast near the Congo River. The project has the capacity to produce 5.2 million tpy of LNG, 63 000 bbls/d of natural gas liquids (NGLs) for export and 125 million ft3/d of natural gas for domestic consumption.

The first cargo was sold to Angola’s state oil and gas company Sonangol and is currently being shipped to Brazil by the SS Sonangol Sambizanga, one of seven 160 000 m³ LNG vessels that are under long-term charter to the Angola LNG project.

Commenting on the first cargo, Artur Pereira, CEO, Angola LNG Marketing said: “Angola LNG is entering the market at an exciting time. The world LNG market is expected to remain tight over the coming years, with very limited new LNG capacity coming on-stream. We are delighted to be producing and shipping our first LNG cargo.”

A large number of master LNG sale and purchase agreements have been executed with energy companies across the world, providing Angola LNG with a robust and diverse portfolio of customers.  Further agreements are currently being negotiated.

This announcement marks a milestone in the continued development of Angola’s oil and gas resources.

António Órfão, Chairman, Angola LNG Ltd, said: “Angola LNG’s vision is to be a reliable and competitive supplier, a strong community partner, and a role model for the economic development of Angola.” He continued: “The project provides a solution to minimise flaring and environmental pollution by gathering associated gas from Angola’s offshore oil fields to provide clean and reliable energy to our customers and a return on investment for our shareholders.”

Angola LNG is a partnership between Sonangol, Chevron, BP, ENI and Total that will gather and process gas to produce and deliver LNG and NGLs.  The project has an expected life of at least 30 years.

Adapted from press releases by Callum O’Reilly

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