INPEX starts up Naoetsu LNG Terminal in Japan

INPEX Corporation held a ceremony to celebrate the completion of Naoetsu LNG Terminal in Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan. The ceremony was attended by many guests and INPEX staff.

The main facilities of the terminal include two aboveground LNG tanks with the storage capacity of 180,000kl, a berth that enables the 210,000m3 loading class LNG tanker (Q-flex) to unload, and vaporisers and calorific value adjustment facilities. The terminal has the capacity to receive and regas approx. 1.5Mt of LNG per year, which is equivalent to the annual gas consumption of approximately 5M households. The terminal is located adjacent to the Joetsu Thermal Power Plant operated by Chubu Electric Power Company (Chubu Electric). These two terminals are connected by a pipework for LNG sharing in case of an emergency, which should enhance the stability of the terminal’s operation.

INPEX made the final investment decision to construct the Terminal in August 2008, and commenced the construction work in July 2009. The construction progressed smoothly and the first LNG carrier berthed at the Terminal on 27 August this year. The commissioning work of the main facilities followed, and the Terminal started its operation on 1 December ahead of the original schedule.