Regional LNG: Gulf LNG receives 1st LNG shipment

By Romel S. Gurky

Thai energy and infrastructure firm Gulf Energy Development Plc. (GULF) has received its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipment, marking a significant milestone for Gulf LNG Company Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of GULF. The LNG cargo, delivered on January 6, 2025, will fuel Gulf Group’s gas-fired power plants and aligns with Thailand’s gas market deregulation policy aimed at fostering competition and enhancing energy security, the company said.

Gulf LNG holds a natural gas procurement and shipper license from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), allowing the company to import up to 6.4 million tons of LNG annually. The LNG will supply various power generation assets, including Gulf Pluak Daeng Power Plant (GPD) and Gulf Sriracha Power Plant (GSRC), as well as 19 Small Power Producer (SPP) plants and industrial customers.

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The inaugural shipment was sourced through an LNG purchase agreement with ADNOC Trading and utilized the Map Ta Phut LNG Terminal 2 (LMPT2) for regasification. After regasification, the natural gas was injected into PTT’s pipeline system for distribution to Gulf Group’s power plants.

In addition to meeting current demand, Gulf LNG plans to expand its natural gas business to cater to industrial users seeking alternative suppliers. A key part of this strategy is the development of the Map Ta Phut Industrial Port Phase 3, which is over 95% complete. The accompanying LNG Terminal Project, expected to be operational by 2027, is anticipated to support Thailand’s industrial growth and address rising natural gas demand.

Editing by Alexander Ginting