Jan 7, 2025 : Trump Swift Action Exports, Advisers Preaching Patience
Trump Promised Swift Action on LNG Exports, but Advisers Preaching Patience - Reuters
Europe's LNG imports surge, but not at Asia's expense - Reuters
Unnamed energy company is negotiating takeover of proposed trans-Alaska gas pipeline - Alaska Beacon
UK bills could rise - as Europe's gas consumption falls by 'unprecedented' amount - Sky News Australia
Viewpoint: Australia edges towards LNG imports in 2025 - Argus
LNG carrier owners facing ‘another year of low charter rates’, Fearnleys says - TradeWinds (Subscription)
A Gas Cutoff Sends Shivers Through a Russian-Backed Breakaway Region - The New York Times (Subscription)
China’s Biggest Shipping Line Added to US Military Blacklist - Bloomberg
Australian LNG exporters brace for wave of new supply - The Australian Financial Review (Subscription)
Excelerate Energy celebrates 3,000th ship-to-ship LNG transfer operation - Offshore Energy
Goldman Traders Finally Reap Windfall on Freak Mexico Gas Trade - Bloomberg
Top 5 LNG Export Micro Themes In Recent News
1. Australia’s Dual Trajectory: Surging LNG Exports Amid Domestic Import Transition
Key Developments:
Export Expansion: Major Australian LNG exporters like Woodside Energy and Santos are advancing significant projects such as Scarborough LNG and Barossa LNG, with new export capacities set to come online in 2025 and beyond. Standard & Poor’s forecasts a noticeable increase in LNG supply starting in 2025, with a potential surplus by 2026.
Import Necessity: Southern Australia faces a projected 40% decline in gas production by 2028, prompting the development of import infrastructure. Squadron Energy’s Port Kembla Energy Terminal (PKET) and four proposed LNG import projects in Southern Australia aim to address anticipated winter supply shortages.
Economic Shifts: Australia’s LNG export earnings are expected to decrease from $64 billion in 2024 to $60 billion in 2025-26. Concurrently, LNG imports are projected to rise to mitigate domestic gas shortfalls, despite higher costs compared to pipeline gas.
2. Russia’s Strategic Realignment: Maximizing LNG Exports Post-Ukraine Pipeline Closure
Key Developments:
Export Growth: Russian LNG exports reached a record 38 billion cubic meters in 2025, with significant shipments directed towards China (expected to reach 38 billion cubic meters) and continued deliveries to Europe despite existing sanctions.
Infrastructure Enhancements: Initiatives like the Power of Siberia pipeline and expansions through TurkStream are underway to redirect gas flows to key markets. Russia aims to triple its LNG exports to 100 million tons annually by 2035.
Sanctions and Market Adaptation: Ongoing sanctions have restricted Russia’s access to ice-class tankers and European transshipment hubs, leading to a focus on direct exports to China and utilization of alternative routes such as the Black Sea.
3. US LNG Export Policy Reversal: Navigating the Trump Administration’s Strategic Shift
Key Developments:
Policy Changes: The incoming Trump administration is expected to reverse President Biden’s moratorium on LNG export licenses, advocating for a balanced approach to resume approvals while addressing environmental concerns.
Project Resumptions: Key LNG projects like Venture Global's CP2, Commonwealth LNG, and Energy Transfer's Lake Charles complex, previously stalled under Biden’s policies, are poised for reactivation pending new policy approvals.
Export Capacity Expansion: The lifting of export restrictions under the Trump administration could lead to a significant increase in US LNG supply, reinforcing the US position as a leading global LNG exporter.
4. Europe’s LNG Market Tightness: Balancing Declining Consumption with Increased Imports
Key Developments:
Import Surge: In December 2024, Europe’s LNG imports surged to 10.89 million metric tons, a 23% increase from the previous month, driven by heightened winter demand and the need to replace Russian pipeline gas.
Consumption Decline: Despite increased LNG imports, overall gas consumption in Europe has fallen due to energy efficiency measures and a shift towards renewable energy sources, with notable reductions in industrial output.
Storage Challenges: European gas storage levels have rapidly decreased to 71% capacity, the largest drop since 2018, raising concerns about supply security for the upcoming heating season and contributing to price volatility.
5. Infrastructure and Regulatory Shifts: Transforming LNG Trade Logistics and Costs
Key Developments:
New Import Terminals: Significant progress has been made with the Philippines’ FGEN LNG terminal and Australia’s Port Kembla Energy Terminal (PKET) nearing completion, enhancing regional LNG supply capabilities and reducing reliance on local production.
EU Marine Fuel Regulations: The EU’s FuelEU Maritime rules, effective January 1, 2025, mandate reduced emissions from marine fuels, increasing shipping costs and promoting the use of alternative fuels like LNG and biodiesel.
Technological Advancements: Excelerate Energy achieved its 3,000th ship-to-ship (STS) LNG transfer operation, demonstrating advancements in LNG logistics and improving the efficiency and flexibility of global LNG supply chains.