Despite the impact of COVID-19, the implementation of the Arctic LNG 2 project has been progressing, Russia’s largest independent gas producer Novatek has said.
“Currently, the overall progress for the Project is estimated at 19%, with concrete casting of the first GBS platform estimated to be completed by 37%,” Novatek said. The module fabrication yards are working at full capacity. Contractors under construction/EPC contracts are fully mobilised, and supply contracts have been signed and are being fulfilled, Novatek said. Nine production wells have already been drilled at the Utrenneye field with three drilling rigs in operation.
A working meeting was held on June 12 regarding the Arctic LNG 2 project with the respective CEO’s of the partner companies. The working meeting, which took place in the form of a videoconference, was attended by Novatek Chairman Leonid Mikhelson, Total CEO Patrick Pouyanné, China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC) Chairman Dai Houliang, China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC) Chairman Wang Dongjin, Mitsui CEO Tatsuo Yasunaga and Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) CEO Tetsuhiro Hosono said. “The Partners expressed confidence that the Project will commence on time based on the current progress,” Novatek said.
In addition, significant progress has been made in contracting LNG volumes from the Project. The Partners also discussed the current status of the Arctic LNG 2 project’s external financing and confirmed their focus on ensuring its completion on schedule.
“We held the first joint meeting with the CEO’s of our partners in Arctic LNG 2 to discuss the current progress in a virtual format,” Mikhelson said. “This unique project employs an innovative construction concept using gravity-based structures, or GBS, a logistical scheme with year-round navigation via the Northern Sea Route, as well as extensive localization of equipment and materials manufacturing in Russia. All shareholders confirmed their best efforts to implement the Project according to our time schedule,” Mikhelson said.
