The U.S. Treasury Department’s statement announced the freezing of assets belonging to Gotik Shipping Co and Plio Energy Cargo Shipping within the U.S., along with a ban on any business dealings between American citizens or organizations and these companies.

However, the Treasury has permitted specific operations involving LNG tankers owned by these Indian companies until November 6, 2024, to ensure the safety of crews and vessels.

The sanctions aim to curb the export of LNG from Russia as part of ongoing efforts to tighten sanctions against the Russian economy. The U.S. Treasury’s general license allows for operations necessary for the safety of crews and vessels, including medical assistance, docking, repairs, and other essential services to keep the ships operational.

Individuals and organizations are prohibited from entering into new commercial contracts involving the sanctioned tankers. Any operations related to unloading cargo, including Russian-origin LNG, are also banned except in emergencies.

These sanctions against Indian companies are part of the broader U.S. campaign against Russian LNG projects. In November 2023, Washington imposed sanctions directly on the “Arctic LNG-2” project, followed by sanctions in December of the same year against several Russian enterprises involved in LNG equipment manufacturing. In addition, measures have been taken to block LNG tankers suspected of being used to bypass sanctions.

The European Union is also planning to impose restrictions on the transit of Russian LNG through its ports, expected to take effect in the spring of 2025. These measures will include a ban on investments, the supply of goods, and services necessary to complete LNG projects in Russia, such as “Arctic LNG-2” and “Murmansk LNG.”

The inclusion of Indian shipping companies in the sanctions list could significantly impact their operations, especially considering India’s strong economic ties with Russia.

New Delhi has maintained active cooperation with Moscow for many years, particularly in the energy sector. U.S. restrictions could jeopardize Indian companies involved in the logistics chains for delivering Russian energy products, potentially affecting the dynamics of bilateral trade relations.

Amidst global political tensions, the Indian government may face a tough decision: whether to continue its cooperation with Russia or consider the potential consequences of worsening relations with the West.

https://www.westernpost.ng/u-s-sanctions-indian-shipping-firms-over-involvement-in-russian-lng-project/

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India’s largest gas distributor is offering three cargoes for loading on a delivered ex-ship (DES) basis from Sabine Pass on Sept. 4-5, and from Cove Point on Oct. 29-31 and Nov. 28-30.

In exchange, it is seeking three cargoes on a DES basis to the Dabhol terminal on Sept. 24-30, Nov. 10-15 and Dec. 1-6.

The tender closes on Sept. 4.

https://www.xm.com/research/markets/allNews/reuters/indias-gail-issues-swap-tender-for-3-lng-cargoes-sources-say-53917906

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Besides, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between ADNOC and the India Strategic Petroleum Reserve (ISPRL) for leasing of storage space. A production concession agreement for Abu Dhabi Onshore Block 1 between Urja Bharat and ADNOC was also inked.

The agreements and MoUs were signed as part of the two-day official visit of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi beginning September 9. This is the Crown Prince’s first official visit to India in this capacity.

“The agreement for long-term LNG supply is for 1 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) and is the third such contract signed in just over a year. Both IoCL and GAIL previously signed long-term agreements for 1.2 mtpa and 0.5 mtpa, respectively, with ADNOC. These contracts have strengthened energy security in India by diversifying LNG sources,” MopNG said.

The MoU between ADNOC and ISPRL provides for exploring ADNOC’s participation in additional opportunities for crude storage in India and renewal of their storage and management agreement on mutually acceptable terms and conditions. This MoU builds on ADNOC’s existing involvement in crude storage at the Mangalore Cavern of ISPRL since 2018, it added.

The Ministry said that the Production Concession Agreement for Abu Dhabi Onshore Block 1 between Urja Bharat (a JV of IoCL and Bharat Petro resources) and ADNOC is the first one for any Indian company operating in the UAE. The concession entitles Urja Bharat to bring crude oil to India, thus contributing towards the country’s energy security.

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/adnoc-indian-oil-sign-long-term-lng-supply-agreement/article68622980.ece

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The latest request comes after the announcement of NTPC building another LNG plant for India‘s big ticket Great Nicobar Islands project.

Mails sent to NTPC, power ministry and Andaman & Nicobar Islands administration did not get any response till the time of filing the report.

The dropping of the project last year led to disruption in long term availability plans and capacity building to meet the growing demand in the region, one of the persons said.

The peak of 48 MW in Port Blair and South Andaman is being met through own units, power purchase agreements with some generators, solar projects and diesel generators.

“The reliance on multiple small units leads to frequent fluctuations and power supply interruptions,” the person said.

Moreover, complete reliance on solar projects does not augur well because of the intermittent supply and expensive storage systems.

The region wants a large power plant to ensure stability and reliability in the grid, the person said.

For the alternative that entails connection with the grid in the mainland, a feasibility study is yet to be made, the person added. The Centre has already been working on ways to electrify the proposed Great Nicobar Island international container terminal and transshipment port through green energy sources and gas-based power.

India plans to develop the proposed port at Galathea Bay in Great Nicobar Island of Andaman and Nicobar Islands as an international terminal and port. For the ambition, the island is likely to be connected with green power and gas-based electricity.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/energy/oil-gas/andaman-administration-urges-centre-to-rethink-plan-to-build-50-mw-gas-based-unit/articleshow/113269092.cms?from=mdr

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Gentari Renewables India is a local subisidiary of Gentari.

He also said that the company is open to partnerships with organizations in the renewable energy space, as India expands production and adoption of green energy. Gill said that the company, which has established itself in India through inorganic growth and acquisitions, is now ready to go ahead with greenfield projects of its own.

“We have a very mature organization in C&I. We are one of the market leaders with 1.8 gigawatt in C&I space. And we have all the attributes for developing this business organically in-house,” Gill told Mint.

However, the company would continue to look at acquisition opportunities both in the C&I and utility spaces. Mint earlier reported that Gentari Sdn Bhd is planning a minority fund raise in its proposed commercial and industrial (C&I) projects in an equity deal valued at around $400 million.

Owing to an improvement in recovery of receivables from power distribution companies (discoms) in India, Gentari will “continue to evaluate the utility business, mainly at the central utilities,” Gill said. “If there are certain opportunities for the utility bids, then we will certainly evaluate them and look forward on those,” he added.

Gentari majorly caters to C&I customers in the renewable energy space, Gill said, adding that the company would evaluate bids coming from central government public service undertakings (CPSUs). “Going forward, we would evaluate the bids which are coming out in the CPSU space and could be looking at those too,” Gill said.

Gentari has been scooping up assets. Earlier this year, it emerged as the winning bidder for the Indian solar projects of Finland’s Fortum Oyj totalling 185MW. The deal is worth an enterprise value of around $200 million and an equity value of around $150 million. It has also announced its $1.5 billion investment in AM Green Ammonia Holdings, and an equal joint venture (JV) with ReNew Energy Global Plc to develop 5 GW capacity.

Speaking about India’s position among global peers in the renewable energy domain, Gill said that it is one of the top renewable energy markets in the world, and attributed growth in the sector to regulatory policies as well as the financing opportunities available in the country.

“As far as the sector is concerned in the country, it is a pretty matured sector now, as far as the electron business (power generation business) is concerned, the renewable energy business is concerned,” Gill said. The growth is due to “the government initiatives, the policy measures, the regulatory (norms), the availability of the ISTS (inter-state transmission system) network, as far as the grid is concerned, and even the structure of the financing institutions – it is a very evolved structure,” Gill added. The ISTS network refers to inter-state transmission system, a network of transmission lines carrying electricity from one state to another.

Gentari Renewables expects to produce five million tonnes of green ammonia in the country – to produce one million tonnes of green hydrogen, in partnership with other companies, Gill said, adding that this would constitute 20% of India’s green hydrogen target. The government’s National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) aims to produce five million tonnes of green hydrogen every year by 2030.

https://www.livemint.com/companies/gentari-to-offer-battery-energy-storage-solutions-to-indian-c-i-consumers-11725188230609.html

“In terms of the dimensions of the tandem cell, we are limited by the fact that our module splits water directly. But it is also necessary for electricity to get from one side to the other to achieve this. As the module area increases, the rising resistance has an unfavourable effect on the system. Currently, the existing format has proven to be optimal. It is stable, robust and significantly larger than any comparable solution,” Görne notes. The compact elements can be connected as needed without any negative side effects, from a single module to large areas – a significant advantage, the release says.

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/business-tech/fraunhofers-semiconducting-glass-generates-hydrogen-from-sunlight/article68378345.ece

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John Cockerill Greenko Hydrogen, L&T Electrolysers, Reliance Electrolyser Manufacturing and Adani New Industries see their manufacturing units ready by 2025.

“Most of the allottees will be able to commission their facilities much ahead of the deadline and have conveyed this to the government,” said a senior government official. Jindal India, Ohmium Operations, Advait Infratech and homiHydrogen are others that won bids.

Companies mentioned above didn’t respond to queries.

Electrolysers split water into oxygen and hydrogen using electricity – a process known as electrolysis. Green hydrogen is a gas made by electrolysers using power from renewable energy sources and is essential for decarbonising industries.

Currently, India is reliant on the global market to source electrolysers for its green hydrogen projects. To counter this, as well as reduce the cost of green hydrogen production, the Solar Energy Corporation of India, in July 2023, issued a request for selection of electrolyser manufacturers to set up 1.5 gigawatts (GW) of capacity

Industry players said the current price of an electrolyser in the global market is $600 (Rs 50,000) per kilowatt (kW). Through the PLI scheme, this price will be brought down to $564-570 (Rs 47,000) in India. However, an electrolyser in China is still cheaper at $400 (Rs 33,000) per kW.

“Electrolyser manufacturers are projected to achieve a 7-10% reduction in total system costs for the first five years, with Rs 2,960/kW ($36/kW) being the average annual realisable base incentive,” according to a report by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis.

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“Most of us who won the bids had prior tie-ups with electrolyser technology companies,” said an executive at one of the participating companies. “Some had even secured technology licence agreements before participating in the tender, so we will be able to launch our electrolysers before the deadline.”

While Greenko partnered with John Cockerill, a global leader in electrolyser manufacturing, Reliance Industries partnered with Danish company Stiesdal for the development and manufacturing of hydrogen electrolysers. Reliance has also entered into a technology licensing agreement with Norway’s Nel ASA for its alkaline electrolysers in India.

L&T commissioned its first indigenously manufactured hydrogen electrolyser at the green hydrogen plant in Hazira, Gujarat on March 1. With a power capacity of 1 MW (expandable to 2 MW), the electrolyser is equipped with two stacks and an electrolyser processing unit that’s indigenously manufactured and assembled. The company used alkaline electrolyser technology from McPhy Energy, France.

Adani New Industries has tied up with multiple technology partners to build its facility. Ohmium has been operating an electrolyser manufacturing plant since 2021. “With lower cost of electrolysers and India’s low-cost renewable electricity, India’s green hydrogen production could become competitive with other fuels,” said the company official cited above.

https://www.msn.com/en-in/money/topstories/h2go-reliance-industries-l-t-adani-and-john-cockerill-to-manufacture-electrolysers-by-2025/ar-BB1pHEen?ocid=finance-verthp-feeds

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The five projects, which have started their operations, are also facing hurdles as farmer unions have been opposing the operation, claiming that the chemicals produced during biogas generation can be carcinogenic and contaminate the soil. Besides, three projects in the pipeline are also stalled.

Due to this, big companies, such as Indian Oil Corporation, Gas Authority India Limited and even Reliance, who had inked pacts with the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA), are not going forward with their projects. Reliance is facing hurdles because of administrative reasons in Punjab as its power connection has not been released.

The state government was hoping that the seven projects, expected to process over 2.72-lakh-tonne paddy straw, would commence before the paddy harvest season. So far, only five projects, capable of producing over 85 tonnes of compressed biogas per day, have been commissioned for which around 1.70 lakh tonnes of paddy straw have been collected.

“As the Punjab government failed to protect the CBG plants from irrational opposition, we have adopted a wait-and-watch policy. We will invest only once other plants become operational,” said a senior official of a government sector company. He said they had planned to invest around ₹500 crore, but it’s now on hold.

GAIL had promised to set up 10 compressed biogas (CBG) projects with an investment of about ₹600 crore, producing 35,000 tonnes of biogas and about 8,700 tonnes of organic manure annually. But the company didn’t start work as it found that the earlier projects were not commissioned.

Admitting the same, Punjab renewable energy minister Aman Arora said, “I have no hesitation to say that projects of big companies, with whom PEDA had signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs), stalled their investment because of some protests over unfounded and unscientific reasons.”

He said four meetings had been held with protesters. “I, along with finance minister Harpal Cheema, will hold a meeting tommorrow over the opposition by some farmer unions. We are finding a solution as Punjab needs such projects to handle paddy straw. I am not aware why the power connections of some CBG projects are stalled. I will take up the matter with the authorities concerned.”

These projects will go a long way to solve the stubble burning problem in the state besides giving a fillip to the state government’s efforts to make Punjab a leading state in green and clean energy production, he added.

Compressed biogas plants generate clean and green energy from paddy straw and other agro-residue while creating extra income sources for the farmer community, Arora said urging farmers and other protesters to not to oppose such projects.

These types of projects will be benefiting the farmers in multiple ways as these plants use crop residual as raw material and collect the paddy stubble from their fields without putting any financial burden on them, he added.

As many as 20 million tonnes of paddy straw is produced every year and the state frequently draws criticisim over paddy straw burning.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/1000crore-biogas-projects-hit-roadblock-amid-farmers-protest-101725988415751.html

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He urged the industry to collaborate and put forth dedicated efforts to help India achieve its sustainability goals while staying on track for growth.

“I assure you all that the government will keep introducing initiatives to make the business ecosystem more industry-friendly,” the minister said.

The government is placing significant emphasis on enhancing charging infrastructure under the highly anticipated Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME)-III scheme.

Business Standard recently reported that the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) is planning to invest around ₹2,000 crore to boost charging infrastructure across the country.

Charging infrastructure development has been a key focus in the earlier phases of FAME. Under FAME-I, the government sanctioned 520 charging stations, with 452 already installed, according to a 2021 statement by the MHI.

In FAME-II, the MHI allocated ₹800 crore as capital subsidy to three Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) to set up 7,432 Electric Vehicle Public Charging Stations (EVPCS), as per a 2024 reply in the Rajya Sabha by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH).

Additionally, the MHI set a target of installing 5,833 EV charging stations along highways, out of the total 7,432 planned through OMCs under the MoPNG. The ministry also sanctioned an additional ₹73.50 crore under FAME-II to upgrade 980 low-capacity EV charging stations across the country.

As of February 2024, a statement from the Ministry of Power revealed that 12,146 public EV charging stations are operational nationwide.

While home charging currently meets most of the demand, there is a growing need for publicly accessible chargers to match the convenience of conventional vehicle refueling. This is especially important in dense urban areas, where home charging may be limited, making public infrastructure crucial for widespread EV adoption. India has approximately 3 million registered electric vehicles, supported by around 12,000 charging stations. This translates to roughly 245 EVs per charging station.

Globally, public charging points have also seen substantial growth. According to the IEA’s Global EV Outlook 2023, there were 2.7 million public charging points worldwide by the end of 2022, with over 900,000 installed that year — an impressive 55 per cent increase over 2021.

https://www.business-standard.com/industry/auto/govt-prioritises-charging-infra-with-renewables-for-e-mobility-growth-124091001099_1.html

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17,000 charging stations set up nationwide

Collectively, these companies have now established nearly 17,000 charging stations nationwide, with further acceleration expected in the coming years.

Indian Oil Corporation installed 3,601 new EV charging stations in FY24, and as of June 30, 2024, the number of EV charging stations commissioned by the energy major stood at 10,028, which constitutes about 60 per cent of all EV charging stations in the country, according to its latest annual report.

Additionally, IOC offers battery swapping services at 99 of its fuel stations, providing flexible and efficient solutions for EV users. The company has also partnered with Sun Mobility Pte Ltd, Singapore, to create a pan-India battery-swapping network.

BPCL has also set ambitious growth targets for EV charging infrastructure. At the company’s recent annual general meeting, Chairman and Managing Director G Krishnakumar highlighted BPCL’s commitment to supporting the transition to electric mobility by expanding its charging infrastructure. The company has already installed over 3,100 charging stations and plans to reach 7,000 in the near future.

In FY24, BPCL commissioned 2,443 new charging stations at its fuel retail outlets and aims to install 3,500 more fast-charging stations for four-wheelers along 150 highway corridors in FY25.

BPCL has also established 14 battery-swapping stations and launched the Highway Fast Charging Corridors initiative, expanding its fast-charging network to 900 stations across 120 key corridors. Over the next five years, BPCL plans to install fast chargers for four-wheelers at around 6,000 retail outlets across 400 highway corridors, focusing on high-traffic routes like the Golden Quadrilateral and North-South/East-West highways.

HPCL added 1,773 EV charging facilities, including battery-swapping stations, in FY24, bringing the total number of retail outlets with EV charging capabilities to 3,603.

Under Phase II of the FAME India scheme, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) approved a capital subsidy of ₹800 crore for three Oil Marketing Companies to establish 7,432 EV public charging stations. Additionally, MHI sanctioned an extra ₹73.50 crore under the FAME-II scheme to OMCs for upgrading 980 existing low-capacity charging stations across the country.

Supported by policies such as lower GST on EVs and schemes like FAME and PLI, EV adoption in India is gaining traction.

 “India currently has over 8,000 electric buses in operation. In the two-wheeler segment, electric vehicle (EV) penetration has reached 5 per cent, while the three-wheeler segment has achieved 15 per cent penetration. For four-wheelers, EV penetration stands at 2 per cent, with more than 200,000 electric vehicles on the road. With over 12,000 public charging stations available, EVs are becoming more practical and appealing to consumers,” according to Shailesh Chandra, Vice President of SIAM and Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd. and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd.

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/psu-oil-majors-power-up-ev-revolution-with-charging-network-expansion-in-fy24/article68626165.ece#:~:text=Indian%20Oil%20Corporation%20installed%203%2C601,to%20its%20latest%20annual%20report.

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In his address, Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri expressed his strong belief in green hydrogen’s potential as the “fuel of the future” and emphasized India’s capacity to lead in both production and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives. He outlined several initiatives by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) to boost hydrogen production in India. Currently, he said that around 54% of the country’s annual hydrogen consumption is used in the petroleum refining sector. The Ministry is ensuring uptake of Green Hydrogen into refineries and City Gas Distribution (CGD) systems through public and private sectors, he said. Minister further informed that the Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) under MoPNG have set a target to produce over 1 million metric tons (MMT) of green hydrogen by 2030 and are in the process of floating tenders for its procurement on a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) basis, with an initial capacity of ~42 kilo tons per annum (KTPA), expected to rise to 165 KTPA. Additionally, the Minister said that Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) to develop the first Green Hydrogen plant in the aviation sector. Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has also handed over a state-of-the-art green hydrogen fuel cell bus to the Indian Navy, and Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) has established a plant in Vijaipur, Madhya Pradesh, capable of producing 4.3 tons per day (TPD) of hydrogen using a 10 MW Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Electrolyser, he said.

Highlighting the significant progress in the hydrogen sector since the last edition of the International Conference on Green Hydrogen, Shri Puri said that since the last conference, India has secured an electrolyser manufacturing capacity of approximately 3,000 MW, achieved 412,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) in green hydrogen production, and issued tenders for 450,000 TPA of green hydrogen and 739,000 TPA of green ammonia. He emphasized that green hydrogen offers higher efficiency and zero direct CO2 emissions compared to fossil fuels and traditional energy sources. Outlining India’s strategic vision and potential in green hydrogen production, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri emphasized that India is uniquely positioned to meet the global hydrogen demand, which is expected to reach 200 million tonnes by 2030. With abundant natural resources and a robust infrastructure, India is set to become a key player in the green hydrogen sector. Shri Puri highlighted India’s competitive advantage due to its low-cost solar energy and significant investments in the power grid. The country’s installed solar capacity has surged from 2.6 GW in 2014 to 85.5 GW today, supported by one of the largest synchronous grids in the world capable of managing intermittent renewable energy. This positions India as a leading producer of green hydrogen, ready to cater to both domestic and global markets.

The Minister detailed India’s ambitious Green Hydrogen Policy and National Green Hydrogen Mission. The Green Hydrogen Policy aims for a production target of 5 million tonnes by 2030, supported by incentives such as a 25-year waiver of inter-state transmission charges for projects commissioned before June 2025. The National Green Hydrogen Mission, with an initial investment of Rs. 19,744 crores, is expected to significantly reduce fossil fuel imports by Rs. 1 lakh crores by 2030. This initiative will likely generate over 6 lakh jobs and attract investments totalling more than Rs. 8 lakh crores. Additionally, the Minister noted that several states including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu are developing policies to further incentivize green hydrogen usage, reinforcing India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in green energy.
 

In his concluding remarks, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri emphasized that while the global green hydrogen value chain is still developing, India must address challenges including green financing, trade routes, and human resource upskilling. He expressed confidence in India’s ability to create a thriving hydrogen hub, benefiting economic development and energy security.

https://www.psuconnect.in/news/india-takes-major-steps-in-green-hydrogen-cial-iocl-and-gail-lead-with-new-initiatives-minister-puri/44191

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“Government of India has taken a great step in promoting these Hydrogen Valleys through Department of Science & Technology (DST). We are going to supply green hydrogen to the specialty chemical sector in Pune, Maharashtra on round-the-clock basis to develop the green hydrogen economy in India,” Anmol Jaggi, Managing Director, Gensol Engineering said.

The green hydrogen valley is being facilitated by National Chemicals Laboratories (NCL), Pune in Kurkumbh region.

Gensol Engineering is a leading player in the renewable energy sector specializing in solar engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) and electric mobility solutions. Matrix Gas & Renewables is a fast growing green hydrogen infrastructure developer and natural gas aggregator.

https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/India/gensol-matrix-to-set-up-indias-first-green-hydrogen-valley-project-in-this-state/ar-AA1qn32z

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Although current gas flows to the plant cannot be determined owing to the lack of sufficient pipeline data postings, RBN believes that initial gas volumes being supplied via direct connection from gas plants near the origin of the Coastal GasLink pipeline (see map above) are less than 10 MMcf/d, but could rise to as high as 100 MMcf/d within a few weeks, depending on the speed at which successful equipment testing is performed. Furthermore, as much as 500 MMcf/d of natural gas could be flowing to LNG Canada by the end of this year based on parallels with the start up of other similar-sized LNG plants along the U.S. Gulf Coast. See our Thinking Out Loud blog for more detail concerning a hypothetical timeline for the startup of LNG Canada. By extension, this should result in the export of commissioning cargoes of LNG to Asian markets by late this year.

https://rbnenergy.com/analyst-insights/first-gas-confirmed-lng-canada-lighting-flare-stack

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A leading example of modern maritime innovation, the Turquoise Ace was delivered to Japan’s Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) in summer 2024 and it features a host of advanced technologies aimed at reducing emissions and environmental impact. The standout being its Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) propulsion system that significantly reduces emissions compared to traditional fuel oil powered vessels.

The duel-fuel LNG engine cuts C02 emissions by 25-30%, NOx emissions by 85% and SOx emissions by 98%. Additionally, the vessel’s design incudes a beveled top bow, which enhances aerodynamic efficiency by reducing wind resistance by up to 20%, improving fuel efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of the ship’s operations.

Commenting on the vessel’s arrival, Mazda Motors UK, Managing Director, Jeremy Thomson, said: “this time of year it’s always exciting to see vessels arriving packed with new cars for our customers. Seeing these deliveries to our dealers in this peak sales month is a great visual representation of the hard work of our dealer partners and the team here at Mazda UK”. Adding, “the use of MOL’s new car carrier vessel is a great example of Mazda Corporation’s work to reduce the environmental impact of our cars, both with our multi-solution approach to electrification and efficient combustion engines, and the reduction of emissions across production and delivery. So, it was great that the Turquoise Ace’s first commercial voyage included a large delivery of cars to us here at Mazda UK to make up part of a busy on target sales month for us.”

Notes for Editors

The Turquoise Ace measures 199.93m in length, with a moulded beam of 38m and a depth of 22.8m. It has a gross tonnage of 77,965 and a carrying capacity of 7,033 cars. The propulsion system features a Mitsui-MAN 6S60ME-C10.5-GI main engine with a rated output of 10,800kW (14,500 hp) at 100 rpm, supplemented by four generators that also utilise boil-off gas from the LNG tanks, ensuring efficient energy use throughout long voyages.

The Turquoise Ace is equipped with wider ramps and adjustable deck heights to accommodate various vehicle sizes, including taller vehicles like trailers and buses. This flexibility enhances the safety and efficiency of loading and unloading operations. Furthermore, the vessel is prepared for the future installation of an AI-based fire detection system, which uses strategically placed cameras to detect abnormalities early, thus minimising fire risks.

https://www.insidemazda.co.uk/2024/09/10/new-lng-powered-car-carrier-ship-delivers-mazda-cars-to-the-uk-on-its-maiden-voyage/

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He explained that the project would boost the nation’s economy by creating jobs and driving sustainable development and reinforce Nigeria’s position as a formidable player in the global energy market.

Represented by the NLNG’s Deputy Managing Director, Mr Olakunle Osobu, Dr Mshelbila, lauded the NCDMB’s unwavering support for the Train 7 Project, describing the partnership as a shining example of the public-private collaboration that can drive Nigeria’s industrial growth.

He emphasised that NLNG’s Nigerian Content deliverables showcased the power of strategic collaboration and capacity building, aligning with the NCDMB’s broader objectives and contributing to national development goals.

He reiterated that “Nigerian Content” was not just a regulatory requirement for NLNG but a core business strategy, saying they are committed to going beyond compliance, embracing “Nigerian Content” as a fundamental part of their vision in helping to build a better Nigeria.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary NCDMB, Ogbe, commended the significant “Nigerian Content” strides achieved in the NLNG Train 7 Project.

He emphasised the need for increased collaboration and advocacy for “Nigerian Content” in the oil and gas industry.

He disclosed that Train 7 Project had significantly boosted local capacity through the production of ancillary components and accessories within Nigeria, contributing directly to the project’s successful execution.

He commended the recent presidential directives on local content implementation, which mandate that contracts in the oil and gas sector be awarded exclusively to local companies with proven in-country capabilities, as instrumental to these achievements.

He lauded NLNG’s management for achieving 52 million man-hours on the Train 7 project with zero lost time injury (LTI), assuring the board’s support for the project to succeed.

He said: “The accomplishments we are witnessing today at the NLNG Train 7 Project are a testament to the NLNG’s unwavering commitment to Nigerian Content. This project stands as a beacon of what we can achieve when we prioritise our local industries and talents.”

https://dailytrust.com/nigerias-lng-capacity-to-hit-30mt-per-annum-nlng/

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The chief executives of state-owned QatarEnergy and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) signed the long-term sales and purchase agreement for LNG in Kuwait. Deliveries will start in January 2025, KPC CEO Sheikh Nawaf al-Sabah said.

Reuters reported last week that QatarEnergy and KPC were in talks for the deal.

Kuwait, an OPEC member and a major oil producer, has been boosting its reliance on imported gas to meet power demand, especially in the summer when consumption by air conditioning systems rises sharply. KPC also aims to ramp up its own gas output as part of a strategy that targets higher oil production capacity too.

Last week, Kuwait faced a second round of scheduled power outages this summer due to a lapse in local gas supply, despite officials indicating there would be no more cuts after the first round in June. Summer temperatures regularly soar above 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit).

The deal will play “a pivotal role in electricity generation in Kuwait,” Sheikh Nawaf said.

He declined to disclose the deal’s value, saying it was confidential.

Qatar this year announced a further expansion of its North Field project that will cement it as one of the world’s top LNG exporters. The project will boost the North Field’s LNG output to 142 mtpa from 77 mtpa by 2030.

The LNG from the new supply deal for Kuwait could be partly from the North Field expansion project and partly from Qatar’s existing output, said QatarEnergy CEO Saad al-Kaabi, who is also Qatar’s state minister for energy. It will be delivered to Kuwait’s Al Zour port.

Kuwait and Qatar agreed in 2020 a 15-year deal for the supply of 3 mtpa of LNG from 2022, which will overlap with the new deal.

https://cyprus-mail.com/2024/09/01/qatar-to-provide-lng-to-kuwait-for-15-years/

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Liquefaction from the grid improves the capability of the gas system and enables more efficient use of the existing gas grid infrastructure. With the start of production, LNG users will have better possibilities of acquiring sustainably produced, ISCC EU certified Bio-LNG. This will also mean an increase in the demand for biogas for the producers that feed into the gas grid.

“The availability of Bio-LNG in Finland is currently still limited, as larger-scale biogas production projects are only in their early stages. Liquefaction from the grid is our response to the growing demand for biofuels, especially in the short term,” says Sanna Kokkonen, CEO of Rohe Solutions.

Bio-LNG Enables the Use of Biofuel Beyond the Reach of the Gas Grid
Rohe Solutions’ first delivery of Bio-LNG liquefied from the grid arrived in Estonia on Friday, August 30, to refuelling stations of Alexela, the parent company of Rohe Solutions. Rohe plans to increase the production of Bio-LNG and respond to the growing demand for biomethane in the Finnish market as well.

“We are excited that this long-prepared project that started already in 2017 with development of Hamina LNG terminal, one of the largest foreign direct investments from Estonia to Finland, has become a reality, and large-scale Bio-LNG liquefaction can start in the Baltic Sea region. This is another excellent demonstration of the cross-border cooperation and will increase the availability of renewable fuels not only in Finland and Estonia, but throughout Northern Europe”, comments Marti Hääl, the CEO of Alexela.

Kokkonen discusses the potential uses of Bio-LNG:

“The potential of Bio-LNG has been recognised in maritime and road transport, as well as in industry. We see this as the first step towards replacing LNG in Finland and its neighbouring areas with produced Bio-LNG.”

In comparison with pressurised biomethane that’s transported through the gas grid, the advantage of liquefied biomethane is its liquid form, which allows for transportation beyond the reach of the gas grid and thus to a wider area.

https://en.portnews.ru/news/367590/

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Russia is once again supplying more than the USA: these figures show where Europe’s gas actually comes from, continues Die Welt.

According to Bruegel, 12.27 billion cubic metres of LNG arrived in Europe from the United States in the second quarter, and 12.73 billion cubic metres from Russia.

The fact that the EU is allowing Russia to once again become a major gas exporter to Europe is a scandal, said Bundestag member Norbert Röttgen.

As reported EADaily This year, the United States has cut LNG supplies to Europe as it became more profitable for American companies and European buyers to redirect the fuel to Asia. And Russia overtook the United States in supplies, including pipeline gas, in the first quarter.

https://topbuzztimes.com/russian-lng-overtakes-us-lng-in-europe/

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The traditional naming ceremony was held at the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in the Chinese city of Shanghai and was attended by His Excellency Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, the President and CEO of QatarEnergy. Also in attendance at the ceremony were Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the CEO of QatarEnergy LNG, Jia Haiying, Member of the Party Leadership Group and Chief Financial Officer of China State Shipbuilding Coproration (CSSC), Chen Jianliang, the Chairman of Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, Takeshi Hashimoto, the President and CEO of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Zhu Bixin, the President of China COSCO SHIPPING Corporation Limited, QatarEnergy’s first Chinese shipowner, and senior executives from QatarEnergy and QatarEnergy LNG.

Marking this historic event, His Excellency Minister Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi said: “Mr. Tillerson’s legacy will always be remembered in Qatar and around the world, particularly for his wisdom, warmth, and sincerity, which drove one of the oldest Qatari relationships with international oil companies towards greater prosperity. We are grateful for Rex’s friendship and partnership with Qatar, and his long-lasting marks on the global energy industry.” H.E. the Minister also wished the new vessel “Fair Winds and Following Seas” as it carries Tillerson’s legacy to all corners of the world.

His Excellency added: “This event embodies our commitment to meet the world’s growing need for cleaner energy and to be part of the global economic development for decades to come. As the first ship in our new LNG fleet, the Rex Tillerson will undoubtedly play a significant role as she carries Qatari-produced LNG to many receiving terminals across the globe. It is our honor to name the first vessel in Rex Tillerson’s name as a tribute to his life-long accomplishments and as a symbol of a special friendship.”

On this occasion, Rex Tillerson said: “During my almost 42-year career with ExxonMobil Corporation, one of the highlights was working with Qatar to develop its LNG trade. Under the wise leadership of His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and the continuing wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar has become the largest exporter of liquefied natural gas to the world.”

Tillerson added: “I am deeply honored to have this magnificent ship carry my name. I hope it will have many years of safe service delivering energy the world over.”

In addition to the ‘Rex Tillerson’, QatarEnergy also celebrated the naming of a second vessel – ‘Umm Ghuwailina’. The two vessels are part of 12 conventional-size LNG vessels contracted with the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard – all equipped with the latest maritime technology ensuring optimal operational efficiency and compliance with the most stringent environmental regulations reflecting QatarEnergy’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

The two vessels, set to be delivered ahead of their contracted delivery schedule, are under long-term charter by QatarEnergy Trading (QET).

With the highest and most advanced safety, technical, and environmental standards, the vessels are equipped with state-of-the-art dual-fuel engines, generators, and boilers to further reduce both fuel consumption and emissions.

The Minister thanked the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard for a world-class craftsmanship, and for a long-lasting partnership, and the vessel’s owners, managers, and vessel captains for their trust and confidence as the ‘Rex Tillerson’ and ‘Umm Ghuwailina’ take to sea.

https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/10/09/2024/qatarenergy-inaugurates-%E2%80%98rex-tillerson%E2%80%99,-marks-delivery-of-its-first-lng-vessel-

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