OREANDA-NEWS. February 19, 2009. The Sakhalin Island (Prigorodnoye settlement) hosted today celebrations dedicated to the launch of the first Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant as part of the Sakhalin II project.

Taking part in the event were Dmitry Medvedev, President of the Russian Federation, top-ranking statesmen from the countries-partners of the Sakhalin II project including Taro Aso, Prime Minister of Japan, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Maria van der Hoeven, Economic Affairs Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Also present were heads of the companies-shareholders in Sakhalin Energy: Alexey Miller, Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee, Jeroen van der Veer, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Dutch Shell, Shoei Utsuda, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mitsui, Yorihiko Kojima, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Corporation. In addition, the event was attended by heads of the companies-purchasers of the Sakhalin LNG and international financial organizations.

“Today we have launched LNG production in Russia. This will give a powerful impetus to economic development in the Far East of Russia. The Sakhalin II project implementation will make it possible to reinforce Gazprom’s position on the global energy market, promote the trade and economic relations between Russia and Asia Pacific, facilitate diversification of gas supply sources, thus enhancing its energy security,” said Alexey Miller, Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee.

“Sakhalin has established itself on the global energy map. We thank shareholders of Sakhalin Energy, the Government of the Russian Federation and the Sakhalin Oblast Administration for their continuous support and cooperation in delivering the ambitious and challenging Sakhalin II project.

After reaching its full capacity the Sakhalin II project will ensure around 5 per cent of the global LNG production and contribute significantly to strengthening the global energy security,” underscored Ian Craig, Sakhalin Energy’s Chief Executive Officer.