LNG

Ice-class carrier Christophe de Margerie is attempting a seasonally early eastbound transit from Novatek’s Arctic LNG 2 terminal via the Northern Sea Route to Asia, underscoring the Russian company’s efforts to sustain exports to predominantly Chinese buyers.

Petroleum, not LNG, accounts for most of the United States’ energy trade, reaching a 31 quadrillion British thermal units (quads) in 2025, followed by gas exports with 9 quads, according to U.S. government data. Yet natural gas is the faster growing export, with sales quadrupling over the past decade.

Venture Global and Thailand’s state-controlled energy giant PTT PCL are in advanced talks for binding LNG offtake, supposedly from the Plaquemines or CP2 export facilities in Louisiana. If finalized, the deal would help diversify Thailand’s LNG supply away from Middle Eastern sources.