LNG

The US Department of Energy has published its latest LNG export data showing more cargoes pointed at North Asia instead of mainly European nations after prices moderated after mid-year from 2023 highs.

The US Department of Energy has published its latest LNG monthly export data showing the UK, France, Turkey, Japan and the Netherlands receiving the most cargoes and the most expensive shipments departing from a Louisiana plant.

Crowley Maritime, a leading US shipping line in Central America and the Caribbean, has inaugurated an LNG unloading terminal and supply depot in Peñuelas for small-scale users in the US territory of Puerto Rico where clean energy needs are increasing.

The northeast Caribbean island of Barbuda, one of two making up the tiny nation of Antigua and Barbuda, has signed an agreement with Florida-based Eagle LNG Partners for long-term supplies.

Eagle LNG said its agreement was with Barbuda Ocean Club in Barbuda to help the island to slowly rebuild after the Category 5 Hurricane Irma struck in 2017, while protecting its fragile natural environment and preserving its distinctive culture.

The population of Barbuda of around 1,500 people live in and around the village of Codrington.

“By transitioning to US natural gas for power generation, Barbuda Ocean Club is committing to low-carbon technology while also reducing local air emissions on the island of Barbuda, and will save millions of dollars in fuel relative to existing petroleum-based power generation,” said Eagle LNG.

“Transitioning to flexible natural gas driven generation also enables Barbuda Ocean Club to work with Eagle LNG to introduce further low carbon solutions including renewable generation to enable sustainable growth of development in Barbuda,” the Florida company added.

Eagle LNG said it would provide significant on-island storage and regasification to ensure supplies for extended periods should weather inhibit deliveries in ISO containers.

Since early 2018, Eagle LNG has loaded hundreds of ISO and trailers loads from its Maxville liquefaction facility for Crowley Maritime, the US shipping line which also has LNG-powered vessels,  and other clients.

“The turn-key, US natural gas powered solution for Barbuda is ideal for many areas for both industrial clients and island utilities,” Eagle LNG added.

Eagle LNG's Maxville  plant near Jacksonville in Florida with a nameplate capacity of 200,000 gallons per day.

The plant is located west of the port of Jacksonville and features a 1-million gallon storage tank and an LNG truck-loading system. The facility is also designed to load LNG ISO containers for transport to the Caribbean island markets.

Eagle LNG explained that it was enabling a fully turn-key solution for Barbuda inclusive of US natural gas, storm-resilient equipment and investment in power generation.

“We are pleased to partner with Barbuda Ocean Club on this important project,” said Sean Lalani, President of Eagle LNG.

“This project demonstrates our commitment to provide low-cost energy which enables economic growth and recovery in Barbuda and similar places,” added Lalani.

“Eagle LNG is committed to a low-carbon future, spurring economic recovery for the region as the world works to emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, and fostering closer ties between Florida and the US and our neighbors throughout the region,” he stated.

Eagle LNG said it was pleased to be a leading energy developer in the region and looked forward to providing low-cost, flexible energy solutions to numerous other clients.

“Partnering with Eagle LNG is the best solution for our members as well as Barbuda as a whole,” said Michael S. Meldman, Chairman and Chief Executive of US real estate firm Discovery Land Company, which offers family-oriented, adventure-style holidays on the island.

“We have made a major commitment to help the people of Barbuda preserve the health and integrity of the island’s natural environment,” explained Meldman.

“It’s a huge part of who we are and what Barbuda Ocean Club represents. Eagle LNG will allow us to provide dependable, sustainable electricity throughout our community while minimizing the impact upon the native environment,” he added.

“It’s a safe, clean source of power that will serve our community for many years,” stated Meldman.