Russia`s second LNG export project. Yamal LNG. is working on commissioning its third train. the first two being already at their design capacity of 11mn metric tons yr. majority shareholder Novatek said August 29. The third train could be ready by mid-September. as the second train was exporting three weeks after the first gas was delivered to the plant. The plant has now shipped 4mn mt since start-up at the turn of the year. During the summer months the cargoes can go through the Northern Sea route to Asia.
Novatek said August 9 that the second LNG train commissioned six months ahead of its original schedule. Combined with the first LNG train launch in December 2017. the plant has achieved the commissioning of the first two LNG trains in record time.
CEO Leonid Mikhelson said then that the third LNG train start-up is also expected to be launched significantly ahead of original schedule – `an unprecedented achievement for the LNG industry` – although other projects such as ExxonMobil`s Papua New Guinea plant have also started up earlier than planned. and under budget. That was in contrast to a series of lengthy delays and cost blow-outs at other export projects. particularly in Australia.