Russia's largest private natural gas producer, Novatek, delivered the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo from the Yamal LNG in the Arctic to Japan, the company announced on Wednesday.
The cargo delivery, which was carried out in accordance with the long-term offtake agreement with French energy company Total, was unloaded at Japan's Tobata LNG Terminal as scheduled, according to the company's statement.
'Commencing LNG shipments to the Japanese market represents an important milestone for the company as Japan is an important LNG market and one of the priority destinations in our LNG marketing strategy,' said Novatek's Chairman Leonid Mikhelson.
'Further development of our logistical chain using the Northern Sea Route and a transshipment terminal in Kamchatka will expand LNG supplies to Japan as well as strengthen trade and economic links between our respective countries,' Mikhelson added.
The company already ships liquefied natural gas to various countries, including Brazil, China and India.
The Yamal LNG, a 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.
Russian Novatek holds the majority stake in the project at 50.1%, French Total owns 20%, Chinese company CNPC has 20% stake, while the Silk Road Fund holds a 9.9% share.
By Firdevs Yuksel
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr