What is LNG?

LNG stands for Liquefied Natural Gas - natural gas in its liquid state. Natural gas becomes LNG when it's cooled to around -160ºC at atmospheric pressure. The transformation in state results in significant volume reduction, paving the way for the long haul transportation of larger quantities.

What is Natural Gas?

Natural gas formed from LNG is just the same as the natural gas which is presently used all over Britain. It comprises mainly of methane (around 90% of its composition is methane), and is a relatively clean fuel compared to oil and coal.

The background of LNG?

Liquefying natural gas was first achieved back in the 19th century, by British scientist Michael Faraday and German engineer Karl Von Linde, but the LNG industry as we now know it did not take off until 1960, when Algeria and the UK put pen to paper on a 15 year supply contract.

A liquefication plant in Arzew, Algeria was commissioned to fulfil this contract, becoming the first liquefication plant in the world.

What is regasification?

Regasification is a simpler process than liquefaction. Simply put, the LNG is heated up until it returns to a gaseous state.

LNG transportation tanks are well insulated to keep the LNG temperature down below -161º, ensuring the LNG retains it's liquid form. Following transit, the LNG is pumped out of the tanks and warmed until it returns to natural gas.