NOVATEK has announced that Yamal LNG has commenced producing liquefied natural gas (LNG) at the first LNG train, with the nameplate capacity of 5.5 million tons per annum.

The first cargo loading is scheduled on 8 December 2017 at the Sabetta port using the first Arc7 ice-class LNG tanker named the 'Christophe de Margerie'.

The Chairman of NOVATEK’s Management Board Leonid Mikhelson noted:
"This event marks a milestone accomplishment for the Yamal LNG project. The commencement of LNG production begins a new chapter in our corporate history. Many contractors and suppliers from Russia and abroad were involved in this project. We have received great support from the Russian government in implementing this project. We are grateful to all our partners, contractors and shareholders for the joint work on the way to the successful start of this project on time and on budget according to our FID schedule."

Yamal LNG Image source: NOVATEK

Operated by JSC Yamal LNG, a joint-venture of NOVATEK (50.1%), TOTAL (20%), CNPC (20%) and Silk Road Fund (9.9%), the Project is based on the Yamal Peninsula, above the Arctic Circle, and utilizes the resources of the South Tambey Field.

The field’s proven and probable PRMS natural gas reserves are estimated at 926 BCM.

The LNG Plant will be built in three phases which are scheduled for start-up in 2017, 2018, and 2019, respectively. The Project will be producing 16.5 MTPA of LNG and up to 1.2 MTPA of gas condensate which will be shipped to Asia-Pacific and European markets.