French major Total has struck a deal with Cheniere Energy clearing the way for the Sabine Pass US LNG export plant to operate more flexibly and potentially build a fifth liquefaction Train by giving up storage, berthing and send-out rights it acquired several years ago for purely import purposes.
Cheniere Energy said it expected cash flow from its four liquefaction Trains at the Sabine Pass facility being constructed in Louisiana to be around $1.6 billion per annum and confirmed infrastructure will be built to accommodate two further Trains.
The potential of growth of LNG use in China and the worldwide supply-demand picture are dependent on the medium-term progress of Chinese plans to develop its huge shale-gas resources. It is planning to replicate the Barnett Shale in Texas (see video).
Spectra Energy Corp. and BG Group are planning a new natural-gas pipeline system in northern British Columbia at a cost of over $8 billion to take feed-gas from the province's shale-gas fields to a proposed LNG export facility on the Pacific coast of Canada.
Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the leading global futures exchange operator, said that its European market cleared its first LNG swap based on the Japan-Korea price and involving two majors.
Shizuoka Gas Co. of Japan has followed Tokyo Gas in reaching agreement with Malaysia LNG on the key terms and conditions for the renewal of a long-term sales and purchase agreement.
BG Group, one of the world's main portfolio players, said Brazilian-born Chief Financial Officer, Fabio Barbosa, has been granted leave of absence to undergo medical treatment in Brazil for a recently diagnosed medical condition.
Oman LNG has appointed Harib Al Kitani as Chief Executive, making him the first Omani national to lead the sultanate's largest of two liquefaction plant operating companies which are now set to merge.
Russia and Japan duly signed their agreement to develop the Vladivostok LNG project in the Russian Far East in a ceremony at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in the port city.
SKF, the Swedish bearings maker, said it won two contracts to supply equipment to the Ichthys LNG project and the Prelude Floating LNG venture in Australia.