Poland receives its first LNG cargo

Poland received on Friday its first ever cargo of liquefied natural gas at the country’s import terminal in Świnoujście.

Świnoujście LNG terminal is Poland’s flagship project to diversify gas supplies and reduce dependence on pipeline imports from Russia.

The cargo was brought onboard the 210,000 cbm Q-flex LNG carrier Al Nuaman. The vessel departed from the Qatari port of Ras Laffan on November 19.

Polskie LNG, the operator of the LNG terminal at Świnoujście, provided a live stream of the arrival of the Qatargas-chartered 315 metre-long carrier.

The LNG will be used for the cool-down and commissioning process. The first cargo for commercial purposes is expected in the second quarter next year adding Poland to the club of LNG importing countries.

The cargo was secured under a contract between Polskie LNG, the operator of the LNG terminal, and Polskie Górnictwo Naftowe i Gazownictwo under which the latter serves as an intermediary for the purposes of LNG supplies to the terminal.

PGNiG, the Polish oil and gas company booked the cargoes with Qatargas in September.

The second LNG cargo is set to arrive in February 2016, delivering more gas for further operational tests that will be carried out during the quarter.