ORLEN Group strengthens security of LNG supplies to Poland

A naming ceremony was held in Ulsan, South Korea, for two LNG vessels ordered by PGNiG Supply & Trading, an ORLEN Group company specialising in LNG trading.

The first ship was named Lech Kaczynski, and the second Grazyna Gesicka. This is a symbolic gesture of remembrance to the late Professor Lech Kaczynski, President of the Republic of Poland, and the late Grazyna Gesicka, Minister of Regional Development, for their commitment to Poland’s energy independence and the country’s economic development.

“For energy security of Poland, it is crucial to diversify the supply of oil and natural gas – the latter we already import 100% from outside Russia. This is the result of a consistently implemented LNG imports strategy. The shipments of LNG already cover 30% of our country’s demand. LNG supplies are secured not only by means of contracts, but also by developing our own fleet. Custom-built vessels for our exclusive use guarantee the stability of transport and strengthen the company’s position on the global LNG market,” said Daniel Obajtek, CEO of PKN ORLEN.

Both vessels were built by Hyundai Heavy Industries – a leader of the global shipbuilding industry. The construction of each ship took approximately 18 months. They are the most modern vessels of their kind in the world.

The ORLEN Group will use the ships under a long-term charter deal with Knutsen OAS Shipping of Norway, specialising in the maintenance and commercial operation of LNG tankers. Under the contract, the shipowner will be responsible for manning the chartered vessels and keeping them in good technical condition, while PGNiG Supply & Trading will have full commercial control over their operation.

“Knutsen OAS Shipping is very pleased to have established a long-term relationship with PGNiG Supply and Trading. These safe, reliable, and state-of-the-art environmentally friendly LNG carriers will help them to succeed in their LNG business,” stated Mr Trygve Seglem, the Owner of Knutsen Group.

The term of the charter is 10 years with an extension option. Each vessel can carry a cargo of approximately 70 000 t of LNG, equivalent to approximately 100 mcm of regasified natural gas. That volume is equivalent to the annualised average weekly consumption by all Polish households. This size of the ordered vessels will make them versatile and capable of loading and unloading gas also at ports that cannot be entered by the largest LNG carriers. The first two ships of the ORLEN Group’s fleet were built using cutting-edge engineering solutions to improve the economics of LNG transport. One of their features is a very low rate of boil-off losses. What is more, boil-off gas can be reverted to liquid state thanks to onboard reliquefaction systems. The vessels’ engines can run on both diesel oil and natural gas, which will ensure their compliance with environmental standards for maritime transport well into the future.

Lech Kaczynski has already undergone sea trials and will enter service under the ORLEN colours early next year, while Grazyna Gesicka will deliver its first LNG cargo 2H23. The vessels will be used to deliver LNG purchased under both long-term contracts and spot contracts on the free-on-board basis, where the buyer assumes responsibly for collecting and shipping the goods.

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/16122022/orlen-group-strengthens-security-of-lng-supplies-to-poland/