LNG

Shell has reached financial close on a small-scale LNG regasification terminal in the Bahamas. The project will be built in phases, with the regasified LNG – mostly sourced from Shell’s US LNG offtake – set to support baseload generation at Clifton Pier in excess of 170 MW.

U.S. LNG feedgas demand is weakening with Freeport LNG pulling nominations down to about 1 bcf/d as major maintenance began on July 10, while Golden Pass has also been showing erratic feedgas behaviour during ramp-up.

New Zealand’s government is aiming to sign a contract for developing the country’s first LNG facility before the November general election, with energy minister Simeon Brown saying a preferred bidder is likely to be selected before the vote. Imported LNG is intended to insulate New Zealand against drought risk, which can undermine its mainstay hydropower generation.

Crude oil and LNG shippers are waiting for more details after U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington would impose a 20% charge on all cargoes transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a move the U.N.’s International Maritime Organization said it strongly opposes as unlawful.

Asia’s LNG imports are set to hit a six-month high in July, while Europe’s imports are expected to fall to their lowest level in nearly two years. Asia is projected to take 23.05 million metric tons of LNG this month, up from 22.60 million tons in June, while Europe is forecast at 6.56 million tons, down from 7.21 million tons in June, according to Reuters and Kpler data.

Asian LNG demand set to fall for a second consecutive year as Qatari supply disruption pushes spot prices to levels that force buyers to cut volumes and switch fuels. Wood Mackenzie forecasts Asia Pacific demand at 257 million tons (Mt) in 2026, down from 268 Mt in the previous year and a peak of 278 Mt in 2024.

Attention has fixed on the rotation of US cargoes from Europe to Asia, but a third destination has been quietly absorbing Atlantic supply. Counted by sailing date, US terminals despatched 20 cargoes to Egypt in June, double May's ten and the most in any month on record.

Woodfibre LNG, positioned as the world’s first net zero LNG export facility, is more than halfway complete and targets end-2027 for in-service, CEO Luke Schauerte said. Addressing potential labour shortages, he told BNN Bloomberg the project is “in a really good spot (…) sort of between the waves of building.”

Near-term availability of floating LNG terminals is tightening fast, with Fernley expecting a fresh wave of vessel conversions as floating storage and regas units (FSRUs) have achieved their highest-ever share of global LNG imports.

ADNOC Logistics & Services has placed an order for four LNG carriers at China’s Jiangnan Shipyard in a deal valued at around US$900 million. Each of the newbuild vessels will have a capacity of 175 000 cubic meters and is scheduled for delivery in 2029.