LNG

Transits of crude oil and LNG tankers through the Strait of Hormuz have slowed sharply over the weekend as shipowners and operators reacted to latest attacks on tankers and stalled U.S.-Iran talks.

With five US LNG export projects set to start operations and ramp up production by the end of 2027, the country’s total gas export capacity is forecast to grow nearly 30%. According to EIA data, exports are bound to rise 1.9 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) in 2026 to average 17.0 Bcf/d and increase by an additional 1.5 Bcf/d) in 2027.

A second Russian-build ice-class LNG carrier, the Konstantin Posiet, is heading to Asia via the Northern Sea Route, underscoring Moscow’s push to sustain Arctic LNG exports despite Western sanctions.

Argentina’s state-controlled YPF, together with partners Eni and XRG, has submitted an application to enrol the Argentina LNG project in the country’s Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI). The $51 billion project will export liquefied natural gas from the Vaca Muerta shale formation, with operations targeted to begin in 2031.

QatarEnergies is loading the most LNG in a month with the 10-day moving average for LNG loadings from the giant Ras Laffan complex reaching around 80,000 tons in preparation for a potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, according to ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg.

Shell has reported adjusted earnings of $10.8 billion for Q2-2026, more than double the $3.6 billion posted a year earlier, as surging LNG and oil trading profits offset a sharp production decline caused by conflict-related disruptions in Qatar.

Western LNG has awarded Dutch offshore specialist Allseas the contract to install the subsea section of the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission (PRGT) pipeline in northwest British Columbia, Canada. The 50-kilometre underwater segment will connect the onshore transmission system to the planned Ksi Lisims floating LNG terminal on Pearse Island. Offshore installation work is scheduled for 2029, using pipelay vessels Solitaire and Sandpiper.

Woodside Energy has achieved first gas from its Scarborough reservoir offshore Western Australia, feeding the Pluto LNG terminal, with the first cargo from Train 2 targeted for export in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Petronas LNG has signed a head of agreement with Hokuriku Electric to negotiate the renewal of an LNG supply deal for up to 0.54 mtpa for a decade starting 2028. The HoA underscores Japan’s reliance on LNG for power generation.

European EPC contractor MT Group has been contracted by the e Cobra IS, Sener consortium to implement balance of plant infrastructure at the Brunsbüttel LNG terminal, with project completion scheduled for 2027. Developed by German LNG Terminal, the Brunsbüttel facility will have an initial regasification capacity of up to 10 Bcm/y.