Liquified or liquefied natural gas (LNG) refers to natural gas cooled down and converted into a liquid through /the liquefaction process.

Liquefying natural gas under very low temperatures (such as -160°C and -162°C) changes it from a gas into a liquid 1/600th of its original volume. Reducing the volume allows LNG to be shipped efficiently and safely in specially designed vessels, such as LNG carrier ships.

LNG is considered an important enabler of global energy security and decarbonization by providing affordable and reliable energy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Apart from playing a crucial role in the net-zero roadmap, LNG can also power CCGT (Combined Cycle Gas Turbine) plants and ensure a secure electricity supply in the face of demand fluctuations and unforeseen weather events.

Compared to the earlier slowdown, the consumption of natural gas is returning to a healthier level. LNG producers have been adapting to a dynamic marketplace and developing new approaches to deliver clean energy and improve the lives of communities.

Read on to learn more about the top market players in the LNG industry.

Table of Contents

Global Top 15 LNG Companies [2023]

BP PLC

Cheniere Energy, Inc.

Chevron Corporation

China National Petroleum Corporation

ConocoPhillips Company

Eni S.p.A.

Equinor ASA

ExxonMobil Corporation

PetroChina Company Limited

Petronet LNG Ltd.

PJSC Gazprom

QatarEnergy (formerly Qatar Petroleum)

Shell PLC

TotalEnergies SE

Woodside Energy Group Ltd.

Blackridge Research & Consulting – Global LNG Market Report

Wrapping Up

Global Top 15 LNG Companies [2023]

Here are the world’s leading LNG companies (listed alphabetically):

BP PLC

Founded: 1909

Location: London, United Kingdom

Known as one of the O&G “supermajors,” BP PLC (BP/bp) was founded by William Knox D'Arcy and formed by the merger between British Petroleum Company and Amoco Corporation. Formerly known as “British Petroleum Company PLC” and “BP Amoco,” the British integrated O&G company operates in 62 countries.

BP is a well-established global LNG player with significant LNG marketing and trading capabilities and an extensive portfolio, including a mix of long-term equity projects and mid-term and spot purchases.

BP’s track record includes China’s first LNG terminal in Guangdong. In addition, BP has partnered with Prumo, Siemens, and SPIC Brasil (a subsidiary of State Power Investment Corporation of China (SPIC)) at the Port of Açu to develop the largest integrated LNG-to-power project in Latin America.

BP is active throughout Europe with LNG delivery slots, regas, transport and storage positions enabling the company to meet various needs of customers and producers.

Since 2002, BP has been operating an LNG fleet built with cutting-edge technology to reduce carbon emissions. BP has also been involved in the commissioning of several LNG facilities and liquefaction projects around the world and managing a rigorous ship-vetting and port/terminal inspection program for its ships.

BP’s industry breakthroughs include:

• Supplying the first commercial LNG contract based on offshore ship-to-ship transfer.

• Approving and delivering LNG to various configurations of FSRUs (Floating Storage and Re-gasification Units) and to offshore LNG facilities.

Additionally, BP has dedicated LNG legal teams and risk management teams in its global offices to craft innovative contracts and creative solutions, respectively, suited to customer requirements.

Furthermore, BP’s expertise in quantifying the estimated carbon intensity of the LNG supply chain helps its customers achieve their sustainability goals and supports global net-zero efforts.

As BP aims for an LNG portfolio of 30 MT by 2030, it is looking for opportunities across the gas value chain. For example, BP has successfully loaded the first LNG cargo under a long-term contract wherein BP will purchase 100% of LNG output from Mozambique’s offshore Coral Sul FLNG facility.

Cheniere Energy, Inc.

Founded: 1996

Location: Houston, Texas, United States

Cheniere Energy, Inc. (Cheniere) is the leading LNG producer and exporter in the U.S. and also the second largest LNG producer globally.

Cheniere is a full-service LNG provider with capabilities, such as gas procurement and transportation, liquefaction, vessel chartering, and LNG delivery.

The company name is derived from the Acadian word “chene,” which means “oak” and describes groves of oak trees (bent by the Gulf winds) along a series of rising edges from the marshes off Cameron and Vermilion parishes.

In addition, Cheniere has one of the largest liquefaction platforms in the world, including the Corpus Christi and Sabine Pass liquefaction facilities on the U.S. Gulf Coast, with total production capacity of 45 MTPA (approx.) LNG in operation and an additional 10+ MTPA of LNG under construction.

Corpus Christi Liquefaction: The 1,000+-acre Corpus Christi Liquefaction (CCL) is located in the Corpus Christi Bay in San Patricio County, Texas, United States. Currently, CCL has three fully operational liquefaction units (or trains), with each train designed to produce ~5 MTPA of LNG.

Cheniere is constructing an expansion near the CCL project with an expected total production capacity of approx. 10 MTPA of LNG.

Sabine Pass Liquefaction: Cheniere owns and operates the Sabine Pass LNG terminal via its stake in Cheniere Partners.

Since 2016, Cheniere’s Sabine Pass Liquefaction (SPL) has produced more than 2,000 cargoes that have powered homes and factories around the world.

Currently, Sabine Pass has six fully operational trains, each capable of producing ~5 MTPA of LNG. Cheniere is also developing the “SPL Expansion Project”—designed for total expected production capacity of approx. 20 MTPA—near the existing SPL project located in Cameron Parish, Louisiana.

Furthermore, Cheniere is working on liquefaction expansion opportunities and other projects along the LNG value chain.

Chevron Corporation

Founded: 1879

Location: San Ramon, California, United States

Chevron Corporation is an integrated O&G company active in more than 180 countries. Formerly known as the “Standard Oil Company of California,” Chevron is the second-largest direct descendant of Standard Oil.

Founded as “Pacific Coast Oil Co.,” the company was bought by the Standard Oil Co. & Trust in 1900. Later, it took on the name “Chevron” in 1984. Chevron runs California’s two largest oil refineries in El Segundo and Richmond and maintains 25,700 service stations worldwide under the brands “CalTex,” “Chevron,” and “Texaco.”

Chevron has invested billions of dollars in developing, expanding, and managing a wide range of assets—from vast LNG projects to reinvigorated century-old oil fields. Chevron also manages investments in its subsidiaries and their affiliates.

LNG technology is enabling Chevron to safely deliver natural gas from its legacy projects across the world.

Chevron’s LNG projects include:

Angola LNG Project: The Angola Liquefied Natural Gas (ALNG) Project is the first LNG project in Angola and one of the largest energy projects on the African continent. This LNG plant has a capacity to process 1.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day.

Gorgon LNG Project: The Gorgon Project is located on Barrow Island, about 60 km off the northwest coast of Western Australia. This project includes an LNG facility with three processing units designed to produce 15.6 MMTPA of LNG.

Wheatstone LNG Project: The Chevron-led Wheatstone project is stated to be “Australia’s first LNG hub concept—the largest offshore gas-processing platform ever installed in Australia.” Located in Western Australia, the project’s expected LNG production is 8.9 MMTPA at full capacity.

China National Petroleum Corporation

Founded: 1988

Location: Dongcheng District, Beijing, China

China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) is one of the world’s largest O&G companies and also one of the largest state-owned enterprises in China.

As an integrated international energy company, CNPC’s businesses include:

• O&G operations
• Oilfield services
• Petroleum engineering and construction
• Equipment manufacturing
• Financial services
• New energy development

While CNPC is widely recognized as “China’s largest natural gas supplier,” CNPC’s subsidiary PetroChina is known as the country’s top gas importer. As China’s domestic LNG demand increases, it is working toward supplementing domestic gas production and pipeline imports through strategic LNG purchases.

CNPC continues to improve its natural gas distribution system, consolidating resources under well-managed gas contracts and optimizing its distribution and transportation capacities to ensure adequate supply in the domestic market.

In addition, CNPC’s engineering and construction arms support LNG projects by strengthening project lifecycle management.

In CNPC’s annual report, the company states that it adopts a holistic approach involving the following to increase natural gas supply and meet market needs:

• Maximize domestic gas production
• Consolidate gas resources worldwide
• Boost peak-shaving capacity of underground gas storage facilities
• Promote gas pipeline connectivity
• Improve natural gas marketing network

ConocoPhillips Company

Founded: 2002

Location: Houston, Texas, United States

ConocoPhillips Company is one of the world’s largest independent E&P companies. Formed as a merger between Conoco Inc. and Phillips Petroleum Company, the company provides oil exploration and production services with activities and operations in 13 countries.

As part of its worldwide operations, ConocoPhillips explores for, produces, processes, transports, and markets the following:

• Crude oil
• Bitumen
• Natural gas
• Natural gas liquids (NGLs)
• LNG

While Conoco was founded by Isaac E. Blake as the “Continental Oil and Transportation Company,” Phillips Petroleum Company was one of the largest oil companies in the U.S.

ConocoPhillips’ operations are spread across Alaska, Asia-Pacific, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and other international locations.

For example, ConocoPhillips’ Asia-Pacific operations consist of producing fields in Australia, China, Indonesia, and Malaysia. In addition, the company’s Australia Pacific LNG (APLNG) Project has delivered stable production since 2015.

ConocoPhillips LNG Technology & Licensing

ConocoPhillips owns and licenses the Optimized Cascade® technology to effiicienty and effectively liquefy natural gas. The proprietary technology was first adopted by the Kenai LNG plant (retired) that started operation in 1969.

As a leading provider of cost-effective, high-value natural gas liquefaction solutions, ConocoPhillips continues to leverage its 50+ years of LNG plant operating experience and technological expertise for a wide range of LNG equity projects and LNG licensed projects, including Corpus Christi Liquefaction Project and Sabine Pass LNG Terminal.

ConocoPhillips states that its Optimized Cascade® process is “licensed in 27 trains around the world and provides 110+ million metric tons per year of the world’s LNG supply.”

ConocoPhillips LNG Supply Agreements

According to a press release, ConocoPhillips announced a 20-year SPA (Sale and Purchase Agreement) with Sempra Infrastructure (a subsidiary of Sempra—a leading energy infrastructure company) for 5 MTPA of LNG from Phase 1 of the proposed Port Arthur LNG project.

The project located in Jefferson County, Texas, United States, will cater to the global demand for reliable supply of natural gas and further enhance ConocoPhillips’ portfolio.

Another industry news source reported the signing of two SPAs by ConocoPhillips and QatarEnergy to export LNG from Qatar’s North Field expansion project to Germany for at least 15 years starting 2026.

Eni S.p.A.

Founded: 1953

Location: Rome, Italy

Eni S.p.A. (Eni) is an integrated O&G company known as one of the seven “supermajor” oil companies in the world. The company name (Eni) is an abbreviation of Ente Nazionale Idrocarburi (Italian for “State Hydrocarbons Authority”).

The multinational energy company engages in a wide range of activities, such as:

• Explore for and produce hydrocarbons (locations: Africa, Australia, Italy, Kazakhstan, the Gulf of Mexico, and the North Sea)
• Produce natural gas and import it for sale (Italy and elsewhere in Europe)
• Transport natural gas in pipelines
• Generate and trade electricity
• Refine oil
• Operate gasoline service stations

Eni focuses on the energy trilemma’s three pillars—environmental sustainability, energy security, and accessibility—through geographical and technological diversification of energy sources.

ENG engages in the entire LNG value chain, directly and through its affiliates globally, to develop and manage integrated LNG projects. For example, LNG Shipping S.p.A. (100% owned by Eni S.p.A.) supports LNG transportation by sea through two proprietary LNG tankers—LNG Portovenere and LNG Lerici.

As contracted LNG is expected to exceed 18 MTPA by 2026, the LNG market is opening up new growth opportunities for companies in the energy business.

Eni is also part of global LNG projects, including the following:

Jangkrik: In Indonesia, hydrocarbon production mainly occurs in the Muara Bakau exploration block (55% Eni-owned), with 10 subsea wells operating in the Jangkrik gas field and connected to the FPU (Floating Production Unit).

In 2017, Eni sent the first LNG shipment produced by the field from the liquefaction plant in Bontang, East Kalimantan, to the Indonesian inland market.

Merakes: The Merakes development project involves drilling five subsea wells linked to the FPU in the Jangkrik production field and creating a transport system for the wells. Subsequently, the gas produced is sent to the Bontang liquefaction plant and then sold on the domestic market.

Coral South (the gas field off the coast of Mozambique): Eni is the operator of the Coral Sul FLNG (Floating LNG) project off the Mozambican coast. Eni’s partners in the Coral Sul FLNG project include China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), ExxonMobil, Galp Energia, and Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS).

Eni also plans to build a second floating platform to leverage the vast gas reserves in Mozambique’s Rovuma Basin.

Congo LNG: Eni is reported to be “the second-largest oil operator in Congo Republic” with around 50 years of operating experience in the country and the company committed to developing Congo’s huge gas resources.

In 2023, Congo Republic’s government and Eni launched the country’s first natural gas liquefaction project (Congo LNG) expected to reach an overall LNG production capacity of 3 MTPA from 2025. The project is also in line with Eni’s goal to stop routine gas flaring said to be a major source of greenhouse gases responsible for global warming.

The project, with two FLNG plants installed at the Nenè and Litchendjili fields and at yet-to-be-developed fields, will make the West African country an LNG exporter for the first time and supply both local and international markets.

Furthermore, Eni is set to increase its LNG cargoes from Angola, Egypt, Indonesia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Qatar, and the Congo Republic.

Equinor ASA

Founded: 1972

Location: Stavanger, Norway

Formerly known as “StatoilHydro” and “Statoil,” Equinor ASA is one of the world’s largest O&G suppliers. Equinor has transitioned from a Norwegian O&G company into an international energy company with a global presence in 30+ countries.

Equinor was founded by the Norwegian government to manage the country’s vast O&G resources. Over the years, Equinor has been a major contributor to Norway’s status as a leading O&G exporter through O&G exploration, development, and production.

Equinor’s decades of progress have earned it recognition in various ways, such as:

• “A world-leading offshore operator”
• “An international pioneer in renewables and low-carbon solutions”
• “The largest oil and gas operator in Norway”
• “The second-largest gas supplier in Europe”
• “The largest gas producer on the Norwegian continental shelf”

According to Equinor, it supplies LNG cargoes to 20+ countries and sells LNG from the Snøhvit field in the Barents Sea by transporting LNG through specialized ships to customers worldwide.

In addition, Equinor sells the Norwegian government’s gas volumes. With the combined gas volumes from Equinor and SDFI (the government’s gas from State’s Direct Financial Interest), Equinor is in charge of marketing and selling about 70% of gas from the Norwegian continental shelf.

Furthermore, Equinor is investing actively in new energy (such as offshore wind and solar energy) to combat destructive climate change, expand energy production, and enhance energy security.

ExxonMobil Corporation

Founded: 1999

Location: Irving, Texas, United States

ExxonMobil Corporation (Exxon) is known as one of the largest integrated fuels, lubricants, and chemical companies in the world and “the largest direct descendant of John D. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil.”

Formed by the merger between Exxon Corporation and Mobil Corporation, the globally leading O&G company’s primary businesses include upstream, product solutions, and low carbon solutions.

As a global LNG leader, ExxonMobil’s attention to safety and the environment, excellent financial strength, and proven project execution make it the partner of choice in the capital-intensive and complex LNG value chain.

ExxonMobil’s broad portfolio of global LNG operations encompasses LNG activities—from production and liquefaction to shipping, regasification, and sales.

Additionally, ExxonMobil is engaged in the development and application of new technologies to construct the world’s largest LNG ships and trains, which help minimize unit costs and maximize the value of natural gas from Qatar’s North Field.

Let’s look at some of ExxonMobil’s LNG projects:

Mozambique: In 2022, the USD 8 billion Coral South FLNG project offshore Mozambique shipped the first LNG cargo to help meet global demand. In addition, the Rovuma LNG project aims at producing, liquefying, and marketing natural gas from three reservoirs in the Area 4 block offshore Mozambique.

Papua New Guinea: ExxonMobil’s PNG LNG project milestones include producing 19+ million tons of LNG and loading 262 delivery cargoes to customers in Asia.

Qatar: ExxonMobil has partnered with Qatar Petroleum (now “QatarEnergy”) in three LNG receiving terminals in Europe and the United States and also in the development of the North Field.

Through Qatargas-operated joint ventures, ExxonMobil has also participated in 27 of the world’s largest LNG ships, 12 of the 14 LNG trains, and Qatar’s largest condensate refinery.

Golden Pass LNG: The Golden Pass LNG Terminal in Sabine Pass, Texas, United States, is the joint venture (JV) of ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy. Both companies have decided to independently market LNG produced at their JV to better serve their downstream customers while meeting increased global demand.

Furthermore, ExxonMobil India LNG Limited (ExxonMobil’s affiliate) signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with IndianOil (Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.—“India’s largest state-owned oil refining and marketing company”) to expand its LNG business initiatives in India.

Renowned as one of the largest international energy and petrochemical companies, ExxonMobil is planning to nearly double its LNG production by 2030.

ExxonMobil is supporting a lower-emission future by investing heavily in the development of global energy resources and contributing significantly to the expansion of LNG projects worldwide.

PetroChina Company Limited

Founded: 1999

Location: Dongcheng District, Beijing, China

PetroChina Company Limited (PetroChina) is a subsidiary of the state-run CNPC (China National Petroleum Corporation)—one of the world’s largest integrated energy groups and a prominent national O&G corporation.

According to PetroChina, it is “China’s largest producer of crude oil and natural gas” and also “China’s largest natural gas transporter and seller in terms of sales volume.”

The company is also stated to be one of the largest producers and sellers of petroleum products in China, operating 20,000+ gas stations, covering 31 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

PetroChina is engaged in a variety of petroleum and natural gas-related activities, including:

• Exploration, development, production, and sale (crude oil and natural gas)
• Refining, transportation, storage, and marketing (crude oil and petroleum products)
• Production and marketing (basic petrochemical products, derivative chemical products, and other chemical products)
• Transmission and storage (crude oil, refined products, and natural gas)
• Sale (natural gas)

According to a press release, China’s leading LNG importer and trader “PetroChina” announced the signing of a sales and purchase deal for LNG with Malaysia’s Petronas.

In addition, an industry news source reported the delivery of a large LNG carrier from China’s Hudong-Zhonghua (a unit of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) to PetroChina International (a wholly owned subsidiary and the of PetroChina).

Under a joint venture with state shipping firms, PetroChina International ordered three tankers to acquire its own shipping capacity and strengthen its presence in the complex global environment.

Petronet LNG Ltd.

Founded: 1998

Location: New Delhi, India

Petronet LNG Ltd. (also known as “Petronet” and “PLL”) is an Indian O&G company formed to import LNG and set up LNG terminals in the country and recognized as “the operator of the world’s largest LNG import terminal.”

Petronet was established by the Government of India (GOI) as a Joint Venture Company (JVC) with equity participation from four O&G PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings), including:

• Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)
• GAIL (India) Limited (formerly known as “Gas Authority of India Limited”)
• Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL)
• Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)

Petronet has set up the following LNG terminals:

Dahej LNG Terminal (Dahej, Gujarat, India): Petronet set up “South East Asia’s first LNG receiving and regasification terminal in India” meeting around 40% of the country’s total gas demand.

The LNG terminal’s current capacity is 17.5 MMTPA with expected expansion to 22.5 MMTPA in two phases.

Dahej terminal is also “the largest single location LNG storage and regasification terminal in the country” that achieved a significant milestone of handling 3000th LNG cargo on July 7, 2022. The terminal also offers tolling services to bulk customers and offtakers.

In addition to its existing LNG import facilities, Petronet is considering to set up a floating LNG import terminal at Gopalpur in Odisha, India, to meet the country’s rising energy demand.

Kochi LNG Terminal (Kochi, Kerala, India): PLL commissioned its second LNG receiving, storage, and regasification terminal in Kochi with 5 MMTPA nameplate capacity. Situated in the SEZ (Special Economic Zone) near the entrance to Cochin Port, the jetty facility also provides ancillary services like cool down, storage and reloading, and bunkering options to increase the terminal utilization.

In June 2022, the terminal achieved the highest number of LNG cryogenic truck fillings on a monthly basis.

PJSC Gazprom

Founded: 1989

Location: Saint Petersburg, Russia

PJSC Gazprom is one of the world’s largest energy companies and also Russia’s energy giant (PJSC stands for “Public Joint-Stock Company”). The majority government-owned company is also a major supplier of natural gas to Europe—Gazprom transports high-pressure gas in the Russian Federation and European countries.

Gazprom’s Production of Gas segment engages in the exploration and production of gas. As an integrated global O&G company, Gazprom focuses on the following:

• Gas, gas condensate, and oil (geological exploration, production, transportation, storage, processing, and sales)
• Gas as a vehicle fuel (sales)
• Heat and electric power (generation and marketing)

As part of a long-term program to increase LNG production, Russia’s focus is on establishing a solid presence in the global LNG market where Australia, Qatar, and the U.S. are considered its main competitors.

Russia is leveraging the window of opportunity through “East Siberia” —the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, in particular, is the most prospective region in terms of gas production.

In this context, various LNG projects are expected to be launched in the coming years, including the following Gazprom LNG plants:

• Ust-Luga LNG plant (completion expected in 2024-2025) |

Expected capacity (MTA): 13.3

• Tambey LNG plant (potential project (implementation in 2030))

Expected capacity (MTA): 20

• Shtokman LNG plant (potential project (implementation in 2035))

Expected capacity (MTA): 30

According to a press release, PJSC Gazprom implemented an important CLNG (LNG Production, Storage, and Offloading Complex) project in the Portovaya CS (Compressor Station) area in September 2022.

With the design capacity of 1.5 MTPA, the plant’s two production lines would help provide natural gas motor fuel (NGF) to St. Petersburg’s passenger transport enterprises by shipping LNG from CLNG through tank trucks.

QatarEnergy (formerly Qatar Petroleum)

Founded: 1974

Location: Doha, Qatar

Formerly known as “Qatar Petroleum,” QatarEnergy (also known as “Qatar”) is a state-owned integrated energy company operating all O&G activities—from exploration, production, processing, and refining to sales and delivery.

North Field East (NFE) Project

Qatar is recognized as the “world’s largest LNG supplier.” As a globally leading LNG producer, QatarEnergy is currently implementing the North Field East (NFE) project in line with Qatar’s National Vision 2030.

The NFE project, which is expected to raise LNG production capacity by 43% from 77 MTPA to 110 MTPA is an expansion of the North Field—stated to be “the world’s biggest single non-associated natural gas field,” offshore north-east Qatar peninsula.

According to an industry news source, ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, and Shell each own a 6.25% stake through separate joint ventures with QatarEnergy, while ConocoPhillips and Eni hold just over 3% each through similar agreements.

On behalf of QatarEnergy, Qatargas operates the NFE project that will enable the production of the following:

• LNG (32 MTPA)
• Ethane (4,000 t per day)
• Condensate (260,000 barrels per day)
• LPG – Liquefied Petroleum Gas (11,000 t per day)
• Pure helium (20 t per day (approx.))

North Field South (NFS) Project

While NFE stands for the first phase of the expansion, the second phase of the expansion refers to the North Field South (NFS) project that is expected to further raise the country’s LNG production to 126 MTPA by 2027.

The NFS project will involve the construction of two more mega LNG trains, each with 8 MTPA.

Shell PLC

Founded: 1907

Location: London, United Kingdom

Shell PLC (Shell) is one of the world’s major O&G companies and known as “the world’s largest LNG trader.” Originally known as “Royal Dutch Shell PLC,” the company changed its name to “Shell PLC” in 2022. As a global group of energy and petrochemical companies, Shell operates in 70+ countries.

As an LNG pioneer for more than 50 years, Shell is reported to have started today’s global trade by shipping the first commercial cargo from Algeria’s LNG liquefaction plant to the UK in 1964. Shell continues to expand LNG availability around the world by improving LNG technology.

For example, Shell developed Prelude FLNG stated to be “the world’s largest offshore FLNG production facility” that accesses gas resources from underwater fields too uneconomic or difficult to reach from land.

Shell’s research also supports the development of safe designs for onshore and offshore LNG facilities, ships, and terminals.

Known as one of the world’s largest LNG shipping operators, Shell manages and operates LNG carriers constituting around 11% of the global LNG shipping fleet.

Shell is a major LNG portfolio player with Shell investing in global LNG supply infrastructure and Shell joint ventures operating a wide range of LNG plants and terminals worldwide.

Apart from LNG supply projects in 10 countries, Shell has major interests in regasification plants and long-term access to capacity in many others in Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

LNG Supply Projects

• Brunei LNG (BLNG) (the first LNG plant in the West Pacific)
• Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) (Nigeria’s first LNG project)
• North West Shelf Venture, Australia (“accounts for more than a third of Australia’s O&G production”)
• Oman LNG (a joint venture producing and selling LNG and NGLs)
• Qatargas 4, Qatar (a fully integrated LNG asset and Shell’s first entry into Qatar’s LNG sector)
• Queensland Curtis LNG (QCLNG), Australia (two LNG trains on Curtis Island, near Gladstone)
• Atlantic LNG, Trinidad & Tobago (one of the world’s largest LNG facilities based in the Southern Caribbean)
• Peru LNG (the first natural gas liquefaction plant in South America)
• Egyptian LNG (two LNG production trains at Idku)

Regasification Plants

• Dragon LNG (an LNG receiving, storage, and regasification facility in Waterston, near Milford Haven, Wales)
• Hazira, Gujarat, India (a 5 MTPA LNG receiving, storage, and regasification terminal owned and operated by Shell Energy India (SEI))

LNG is a key component of the transition to lower-carbon marine fuels, especially in the hard-to-abate maritime sector. According to an industry news source, Shell PLC signed a multi-year agreement to supply LNG to Hapag-Lloyd’s (a leading liner shipping company) ultra-large, dual-fuel container vessels in an effort to further LNG use in the shipping sector and cut maritime emissions.

TotalEnergies SE

Founded: 1924

Location: Courbevoie, France

TotalEnergies SE is an integrated energy and petroleum company and also one of the seven supermajor oil companies. As a global multi-energy company, TotalEnergies is active in close to 130 countries and produces and markets the following:

• Natural gas and green gases
• Oil and biofuels
• Renewables and electricity

The 2022 annual report states that TotalEnergies’ LNG production and LNG sales volumes were 17.0 (Mt) and 48.1 (Mt), respectively. According to the report, the French energy giant has strengthened its position as “the third-largest LNG company in the world” with 48.1 Mt of LNG sold in 2022.”

The LNG sold by TotalEnergies in worldwide markets is sourced partly from equity LNG production in natural gas fields and condensates, liquefaction plants (wherein the subsidiaries are shareholders), and contracts concluded with third parties.

TotalEnergies aims to increase its LNG sales by 3%/y by 2027. Apart from maintaining a diverse and flexible LNG portfolio, TotalEnergies is also active in the trading of LNG and complementary products (LPG, petcoke, and sulfur).

LNG Production and Liquefaction

Africa: TotalEnergies holds a 15% interest in Nigeria LNG (NLNG) whose primary asset is a liquefaction plant with a total capacity of 22 Mt/y.

Angola: TotalEnergies holds a 13.6% interest in Angola LNG (ALNG) that owns a gas liquefaction plant of 5.2 Mt/y capacity.

Asia-Pacific: The Ichthys LNG (26%) and Gladstone LNG or GLNG (27.5%) projects contribute to LNG production in Australia.

Egypt: TotalEnergies holds a 5% interest in the first train with 3.6 Mt/y capacity of Egyptian LNG Idku liquefaction plant.

The Americas: TotalEnergies is active in liquefaction through its 16.60% stake in the Cameron LNG plant in Louisiana, United States.

The Middle East: TotalEnergies holds a 16.7% interest in train 5 with 8 Mt/y of LNG production capacity. Additionally, TotalEnergies produces LNG through its investments in the Oman LNG/Qalhat LNG liquefaction complex, with the overall capacity expected to increase to 11.4 Mt/y from 2023.

United Arab Emirates: TotalEnergies holds a 5% interest each in ADNOC LNG and NGSCO (National Gas Shipping Company).

Furthermore, TotalEnergies boosts and diversifies its worldwide LNG resource portfolio by acquiring long-term LNG volumes primarily from American projects wherein the company has no equity (Corpus Christi, Freeport, and Sabine Pass).

In addition, TotalEnergies has a worldwide long-term LNG regasification capacity through assets in Europe (Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom) and the Americas (Panama and the United States).

LNG Purchase, Sale, Trading, and Shipping

TotalEnergies holds several long-term LNG sales contracts in the following countries:

• Brazil
• Chile
• China
• India
• Japan
• Panama
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• The Dominican Republic

As part of the company’s shipping activities, TEGPL (TotalEnergies Gas & Power Limited) operated a chartered fleet of 19 LNG carriers at the end of 2022, with four new LNG carriers expected to be added (in 2023 and 2024) to the fleet to support the growth of the LNG portfolio.

Besides signing agreements with various companies across the world for LNG supply, TotalEnergies is developing LNG retail sales for industrial use or mobility.

For example, TotalEnergies has opened LNG filling stations for trucks in Germany and France in addition to a network of LNG filling stations in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Furthermore, TotalEnergies plans to supply LNG, bioLNG, and biofuels to strategic bunkering hubs to help its maritime customers reduce their emissions.

According to a press release, TotalEnergies was also honored with the distinction of being chosen as “QatarEnergy’s first partner on the North Field South LNG project,” which is expected to produce 16 MTPA of LNG.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd.

Founded: 1954

Location: Perth, Australia

Formerly known as “Woodside Petroleum Ltd.,” Woodside Energy Group Ltd. (Woodside) is a world-renowned petroleum exploration and production company and also “the largest Australian natural gas producer.”

Named after the small Victorian town of Woodside, the Australian energy giant is not only famous as “Australia’s LNG pioneer” but also a leading supplier of condensate, crude oil, LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), and pipeline natural gas.

With 35+ years of operating experience in Australia, Woodside’s expanded global portfolio now comprises quality operating assets in the Gulf of Mexico (U.S.) and Trinidad and Tobago.

Woodside has an excellent track record in integrated shipping, operations, marketing, and trading activities across condensate, crude, LNG, and NGL cargoes.

Additionally, the company’s LNG trading activities help maximize the value of Woodside’s LNG portfolio managed through a mix of short-, mid-, and long-term contracts.

Woodside’s LNG shipping fleet comprises 6 vessels under long-term contracts and multiple vessels on short-term charter in addition to 5 new build LNG ships chartered in 2022.

Woodside LNG Plants

The 2022 annual report states that the majority (approx. 75%) of Woodside’s production was attributed to natural gas, consisting of LNG, NGLs, and pipeline gas, while the remaining 25% of the company’s production was attributed to oil and condensate.

Woodside’s onshore LNG-producing facilities include:

Pluto LNG Plant (LNG: 4.9 MTPA): Pluto LNG is a gas-processing facility in Western Australia’s Pilbara region and includes an offshore platform and 1 onshore LNG processing train.

North West Shelf (NWS) – Karratha Gas Plant (KGP) (LNG: 16.9 MTPA): The NWS Project includes 3 offshore platforms and the onshore KGP with 5 onshore LNG processing trains.

Wheatstone LNG Plant (LNG: 8.9 MTPA): The Wheatstone LNG processing facility comprises an offshore production platform and 2 onshore LNG processing trains.

In addition, Woodside’s Scarborough project (Scarborough gas field in Carnarvon Basin, Australia) is expected to produce 5 MTPA (approx.) of LNG from Pluto Train 2 and up to 3 MTPA of LNG from the existing Pluto Train 1, with the first LNG cargo targeted in 2026.

Apart from the domestic market, Woodside is also pursuing new markets for using LNG as a cost-effective and low-emissions alternative fuel for heavy transport and remote power generation.

Woodside Merger with BHP Petroleum

According to a press release, BHP’s (a leading natural resources company) O&G portfolio merged with Woodside in 2022 to create a global energy company committed to delivering long-term value through combined expertise and new growth opportunities.

As a result of the merger, Woodside is reported to be a “top 10 global independent energy company by hydrocarbon production and the largest energy company listed on the ASX (Australian Securities Exchange).”

*MMTPA: Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum

*MTA: Million Metric Tonnes Annually

*MTPA: Million Tonnes Per Annum

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Wrapping Up

As an affordable and abundant energy source, natural gas is impacting lives at a massive scale. With LNG’s role expanding rapidly in the energy mix, LNG is emerging as a cost-competitive and cleaner fuel for reliable electricity generation, heavy-duty road transport, shipping, as well as industrial, mining, and other applications.

According to a research study, global LNG demand is expected to grow by more than 60% in volume in the coming years. The growing global footprint of companies across the LNG value chain is opening up new opportunities for meeting worldwide LNG demand and eliminating energy poverty.

Companies in the LNG industry are striving to meet energy security and environmental goals.

According to Shell LNG Outlook 2023, global LNG trade rose to 397 MT in 2022, with the majority of new LNG supply to 2030 to come from Qatar and the U.S.

As the global demand for natural gas grows, LNG companies are playing an increasingly important role in addressing energy shortage needs and enabling a more sustainable energy future.