The world’s largest FSRU, owned by Japan’s MOL, has loaded a cargo at Cheniere’s Sabine Pass terminal in Louisiana. Cheniere says this is the largest LNG vessel ever to load in the US.
The 263,000-cbm MOL FSRU Challenger departed the Sabine Pass facility on Thursday, according to Cheniere.
Cheniere says the 345 meters long vessel is about 46 meters longer than an average-sized LNG vessel. The difference can be seen in Cheniere’s video below.
To remind, the giant vessel has recently departed Turkey’s Dortyol facility in the southern province of Hatay after serving the terminal for about three years.
Its AIS data currently shows China as the destination.
The vessel should later this year start serving a long-term contract in Hong Kong.
MOL previously said that the offshore LNG terminal project should be completed by the end of this year.
Prior to the official launch, the unit will undergo testing at the new facility.
Hong Kong’s first LNG import project is a joint venture between Castle Peak Power (CAPCO) and Hongkong Electric.
MOL entered into a long-term charter for the FSRU back in 2019. Besides signing the contract with the duo, the Japanese firm also joined forces with Dutch Vopak for the development of the project’s jetty and maintenance services.
Moreover, the unit will supply gas to two power plants in Hong Kong.
These include the Black Point power station located in the New Territories and Lamma power station located at Lamma Island.
Energy giant Shell will supply LNG to the project as part of a long-term deal signed with the two utilities in 2019.