SONATRACH Ships Inaugural Liquefied Natural Gas Cargo to Croatia

In line with its gas export diversification strategy, SONATRACH shipped its inaugural LNG cargo to Croatia, arriving at the KRK floating regasification terminal on May 22, 2024.

Loaded from the GL3Z liquefaction complex in Betihoua (Algeria) and transported by the OUGARTA LNG carrier, which is owned by SONATRACH, this cargo exemplifies the outcome of extensive collaboration with Croatian stakeholders since the terminal's commissioning in 2021. Such collaboration was aimed at creating the requisite conditions for its fruition.

A portion of the regasified gas will be conveyed to Hungary via the Croatian gas network, facilitating SONATRACH's inaugural supply of natural gas to both countries.

SONATRACH aims to expand its exports to this region, thereby solidifying its pivotal role in ensuring the security of Europe's supplies.

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is primarily composed of methane (CH4), often with a mixture of ethane (C2H6), that has undergone a cooling process to transform it into a liquid state, facilitating safe and convenient storage or transportation without the need for high pressure. At standard temperature and pressure conditions, LNG occupies approximately 1/600th of the volume compared to its gaseous state. It possesses characteristics of being odorless, colorless, non-toxic, and non-corrosive.

Sonatrach, established in 1963, serves as the national state-owned oil company of Algeria. Renowned as the largest enterprise in Africa, it encompasses 154 subsidiaries and is often hailed as the continent's premier oil "major." By 2021, Sonatrach had ascended to become the seventh largest gas company globally. Furthermore, it stands as the 12th largest oil consortium worldwide, boasting 154 subsidiaries engaged across the entire oil value chain, from upstream to midstream and downstream operations. Additionally, Sonatrach manages oil condensate and LPG pipeline networks connecting Hassi R'mel and other fields to Arzew. Notably, the company is in the process of expanding the Hassi Messaoud-Azrew pipeline, Algeria's longest, by introducing a second parallel line that will effectively double the capacity of the existing pipeline. Sonatrach holds concessions in various countries including Libya, Mauritania, Peru, Yemen, and Venezuela. The company has expanded its operations into petrochemistry and seawater desalination. Established on December 31, 1963, Sonatrach initially held a modest 4.5% share of exploration perimeters, with French interests dominating at 67.5%.

Sonatrach holds a 50% stake in Numhyd, a collaboration with Tunisia's ETAP, and ALEPCO, a joint venture with Libya's National Oil Corporation. Additionally, in 1998, Sonatrach partnered with Air Algérie (49%) to establish the passenger airline company Tassili Airlines, where Sonatrach retains a 51% ownership.