Yemen LNG to start operations this summer

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Dubai: Yemen LNG will lift its first cargo in midyear, with operations starting by the summer, according to Yves-Louis Darricarrere, president of exploration and production at Total SA, a shareholder in the project.
The $4 billion Yemen LNG project is several months behind schedule due to technical problems and shortage of labor.
With a capacity of 6.7 million tonnes/year from two trains, it will provide cargoes to Asia Pacific and Atlantic Basin markets for its primary customers in North America and South Korea and potentially will add new customers in the future as the second train will start operations during the third quarter. Current capacity is sold out.
The company has chartered the 294.6 m Seri Balqis vessel for the lifespan of the project. It was built at the Mitsubishi shipyard in Nagasaki, Japan. Yemen LNG has completed hydrotesting both tanks, the company said.
Another three ships, Seri Balhaf, Maersk Arwa, and Maersk Marib  also are dedicated to this project.
Seri Balqis can carry 154,600 cu m of LNG and will transport the LNG to the North American market and its long term buyer Total Gas & Power. Other buyers are Suez and Kogas. [09/04/09]