Fourth LNG shipment reaches Vietnam’s port

Vietnam Gas Corporation (PV GAS), a subsidiary of state-owned PetroVietnam, has welcomed its fourth liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipment at the country’s Cai Mep – Thi Vai port.

The Point Fortin tanker carrying more than 60,000 tons of LNG arrived at the port on May 13, 2024. According to PV GAS, this shipment will ensure supply for power production, especially as the heat during the peak season should cause a surge in electricity demand. 

After being picked up at buoy, the vessel proceeded to dock, connect, and start pumping cargo on the same day in line with the set schedule, with pumping operations getting wrapped up on the following day, May 14, 2024.

Like the first LNG shipment the port received in July 2023, this one came from Indonesia’s Bontang port as well. The Vietnamese firm shared that the LNG was imported from TotalEnergies Gas & Power Asia Private Limited (TEGPA), and would be used for electricity and industrial production, ensuring national energy security ahead of the 2024 dry season. 

According to PV GAS, the fourth shipment was arranged through an expedited procedure to meet the expected increase in demand for electricity. More specifically, the purchase offer was made 20 days before the import date, as opposed to the standard 60 days.

Moreover, the delivery schedule was pushed up eight days earlier to meet the urgent requirements of Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN), meaning that close coordination between PV GAS and other companies involved was required to complete the operation.

The Vietnamese player underlined that it would continue investing in and developing LNG infrastructure systems, diversifying LNG gas supply sources, and improving operational efficiency, to better position Vietnam in the regional LNG arena.

In another important development for Vietnam’s energy security, the country’s 3 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) Cai Mep LNG terminal recently moved one step closer to starting commercial operations. The tender for commissioning activities is expected to be launched in early June 2024, with awards issued by the end of that month.