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Sonatrach said in a statement on Wednesday that it had delivered its first LNG supply to Germany at the Wilhelmshaven 1 FSRU-based LNG import terminal, as part of its diversification strategy regarding gas exports.
“This shipment lifted at the GL2Z liquefaction complex in Bethioua (Algeria) and transported on board the Tessala LNG tanker, owned by Sonatrach, confirms Sonatrach’s ability to seize opportunities offered by the evolvements of the global natural gas markets, while strengthening the valorization of its resources on high-potential strategic markets,” the company said.
Sonatrach noted that it also “attests to the group’s trading flexibility and its commitment to consolidating its position on the main international energy markets.”
Through this operation, Sontrach intends to pursue the expansion of its exports to this market, thus, enhancing its position as a “key” supplier and contribution to reinforcing the security of the European energy supplies, the company added.
Algeria became the world’s first LNG producer in 1964 when Sonatrach’s Arzew facility came online.
The Arzew facility has a total of three trains, and they have a total capacity of about 20.8 mtpa, but the plant has been operating below its capacity, while the Skikda terminal has a capacity of approximately 4.5 mtpa.
On the other hand, state-owned LNG terminal operator DET operates the Wilhelmshaven 1 and 2 terminals, the Brunsbuttel facility, and plans to launch the Stade FSRU-based facility in September.
The first Wilhelmshaven terminal features the FSRU Hoegh Esperanza.
The 170,000-cbm FSRU serves a ten-year charter Hoegh Evi, previously known as Hoegh LNG, and the German government signed in 2022.
