New developments at Russia's Arctic LNG project.

Russian gas producer Novatek PJSC appears to be pushing ahead with the construction of the next production line at its Arctic LNG 2 plant, which is designed to include three production lines (T1, T2, and T3), despite sanctions imposed by the US and its Western allies.

A small tugboat carrying the T2 production line approached the plant site on August 17, Bloomberg reported, citing ship tracking data.

The platform left the construction site near Murmansk on July 25, undertaking a three-week journey across the eastern Arctic to reach the production area where the T1 line has become operational, according to ship tracking data.

Arctic LNG 2 is a key pillar in Russia's strategy to expand its liquefied natural gas (LNG) market share. A growing global market could help Moscow offset lower pipeline gas exports since Russia launched its military campaign in Ukraine 30 months ago.

Novatek's Arctic LNG 2 project is a key pillar in Russia's strategy to expand its market share in liquefied natural gas (LNG). Photo: Moscow Times

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As part of its response to Russia's campaign, the U.S. imposed sanctions on the Arctic LNG 2 project last year, aiming to cut off energy revenue flowing into the Kremlin's "war purse."

Washington's restrictions have prevented the delivery of icebreaker-capable vessels necessary for Russia's LNG exports, delaying shipments for months. But satellite imagery shows two ships recently leaving the plant, suggesting Russia has managed to circumvent the restrictions, possibly by using a "shadow fleet" similar to what it has done with crude oil.

The T2 production line platform appears to be identical to T1, measuring approximately 330 meters in length and 150 meters in width, according to satellite imagery from the Copernicus Space Data Ecosystem.

The T1 production line, delivered to the production site a year ago, weighs approximately 640,000 tons and is the heaviest object ever moved in the history of the global LNG industry, according to Novatek.

It's unclear when production from the new unit can begin, but T1 took over four months to get started after arriving at its site on the Gydan Peninsula a year ago. A similar schedule means LNG from the new facility could be flowing into the market this December, in line with Novatek's 2024 target.

According to Kpler Ltd., export operations from this platform may not begin until next summer, when warmer weather means LNG carriers will no longer necessarily need to be icebreakers.

"Kpler Insight anticipates that the T2 line will not begin loading until summer 2025, when the Northern Sea Route reopens and conventional vessels can once again be used for loading," said Laura Page, an analyst at the research firm.

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Novatek did not immediately respond to a request for comment on August 17.

Arctic LNG 2 was originally designed to include three production lines, with a total capacity of 19.8 million tonnes per year. However, sanctions have actually delayed the T3 line, according to TotalEnergies SE, which owns a 10% stake in the project.

Minh Duc (According to Bloomberg)

Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/dien-bien-moi-tai-du-an-lng-cua-nga-o-bac-cuc-dang-bi-my-trung-phat-204240818210032662.htm