Liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports into the EU from Russia record high levels.
Charles Costerousse, LNG/LPG analyst at the global trade analytics platform Kpler, cited data saying that Russia exported to the EU 15 million tons of LNG in 2022, compared to 11 million tons in 2021.
EU sanctions have not yet targeted Russian liquefied natural gas, but Spanish Energy Minister, Teresa Ribera, stated in mid-May that sooner or later the member states would agree to ban the import of LNG from Russia.
In statements to “Naftemporiki” Costerousse said that the vast majority of these cargoes come from the Yamal LNG facility in the Arctic. This unit is the product of a joint venture between the largest Russian natural gas producer, Novatek, which controls 50.1% of the scheme, and three other companies, including the French giant Total (20%).
Portovaya unit
Some cargoes to the EU have also been exported through Gazprom’s newly established Portovaya facility, which began operations last September. Greece has also received some of these cargoes.
Based on data provided to “Naftemporiki” by the ICIS LNG Edge platform, this unit has loaded vessels with 14 cargoes since the start of its operations. Most of these have ended up in Turkey and Greece, eight and four shipments respectively.
