Japan, one of the biggest importers of liquefied natural gas (LNG), recently imported its first liquefied shale gas cargo from the United States earlier this year. Sources say that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is considering increasing U.S. energy imports to enable the country to lessen its dependence on the Middle East for its LNG requirements.
The U.S. is on track to become one of the biggest exporters of LNG, joining the ranks of Australia and Qatar in LNG shipping, says recent reports. Figures show the U.S. has approximately 70 million tons/year of LNG capacity coming online, in comparison to Australia’s 87 million and Qatar’s 82 million tons. “The emergence of new regasification hubs is challenging the traditional markets, and we are seeing countries, like the U.S., making rapid strides in the sector,” says Gavin Sutcliffe, head of the Gastech conference. “Despite Japan ratifying the Paris Climate Change Agreement, demand for LNG is expected to remain strong. So, we can expect to see Japan forming partnerships with other emerging LNG producers.”
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