Arun NGL optimistic to ship 108 cargoes of LNG in 2002

Aceh-based gas producer PT Arun NGL Co said on Thursday it would be able to meet this year?s target of shipping 108 cargoes of liquefied natural gas (LNG), Koran Tempo daily reported.

Arun NGL spokesman Irwandar said his company was even ready to help another gas producer in East Kalimantan, PT Badak NGL Co, to ship six cargoes of LNG to Japan. Badak?s plant shut down temporarily, Irwandar said.

Irwandar said Arun NGL had shipped no less than 64 cargoes of LNG since January. ?Accordingly, we are optimistic that, with the operation of four of the six trains that we have, Arun can meet this year?s production target,? Irwandar said.

Arun NGL is 55 percent owned by state oil and gas firm Pertamina, while ExxonMobil and Japan Indonesia NGL Company (JILCO) own 30 percent and 15 percent, respectively. (*)