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First Chinese built LNG carrier arrives in WA
The first of three gas tankers transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Western Australia's North West Shelf Venture to a receiving terminal in China, has arrived for its first cargo.
The Dapeng Sun arrived in Karratha on 20 April and is the first Chinese built LNG carrier designated for the North West Shelf.
It will transport LNG from the North West Shelf Venture, to the Dapeng LNG receiving terminal in Guangdong Province, China's first LNG project.
Regional Director of the WA Trade Office in China BJ Zhuang said China's ability to build LNG ships was a great opportunity for Western Australia because as a global LNG producer, the State now had another shipbuilder to construct vessels in addition to Korea and Japan.
"The WA Trade Office assisted North West Shelf Australia Liquefied Natural Gas in its efforts to win the LNG supply contract from the very beginning. The deal included both sides’ close cooperation in the shipping phase of the project," he said.
North West Shelf Shipping General Manager Noel Hart said the naming and delivery ceremony for Dapeng Sun, held in Shanghai earlier this month, was a major achievement for the Chinese shipbuilding industry.
“North West Shelf participant companies congratulate China on this milestone and wish them well in the construction of the remaining vessels,” Mr Hart said.
“This ship is the first LNG carrier to be built in China and the first of three to service the North West Shelf. It is one of five currently being built here at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard.”
Mr Hart said a second vessel, Dapeng Moon, was due to be delivered in the third quarter of 2008
In 2002 the North West Shelf Venture signed a 25-year Sales and Purchase Agreement with the Guangdong buyer consortium to supply 3.3 million tonnes of LNG a year to the Dapeng LNG receiving terminal on a Free on Board basis.
This agreement became unconditional and effective in December 2004.
Mr Hart said he recognised the importance of the support for this trading partnership from the Chinese Government through the National Development and Reform Commission and other Government agencies, as well as significant contribution of the Australian Federal Government and the Western Australian Government.
