Antigua's First LNG Shipment on Track Within 30 Days, Government Confirms

Antigua and Barbuda remains on schedule to receive its first shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) within the next 30 days, following the successful conclusion of negotiations between key stakeholders and continued progress on dredging works at Crabs Harbour.

According to Antigua News Room, Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant delivered the update on Thursday during the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing, after reporters asked whether Cabinet had discussed the status of the long-awaited LNG project.

Merchant confirmed that Cabinet received a briefing indicating that the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) and the companies involved in the LNG project have reached an agreement, clearing the way for the next phase of implementation.

"The Cabinet was advised briefly that APUA and the folks for the LNG out of North America and locally here in Antigua and Barbuda have reached an agreement," Merchant said.

Dredging operations at Crabs Harbour are advancing rapidly to prepare the port for the arrival of LNG vessels, Merchant added.

"The dredging of the Crabs Harbour is continuing at a fast pace and this should facilitate the arrival of the first ship with LNG to start operations of the plant there at Crabs," he said.

Merchant indicated that the project remains on schedule and that the timeline previously announced by Prime Minister Gaston Browne has not changed. "And so the 30-day timeline given by the Prime Minister should be met," he said.

Prime Minister Browne had previously stated that the first LNG shipment was expected within approximately one month as the country moves to incorporate liquefied natural gas into its electricity generation mix. The transition to LNG is expected to reduce dependence on traditional petroleum fuels, improve the efficiency of electricity generation, and help stabilise long-term energy costs.

Merchant did not specify when within the 30-day window the first shipment is expected to arrive, nor did he provide further details on the agreement reached between APUA and the LNG suppliers. He maintained, however, that all preparations remain on track for the commencement of operations at the Crabs Harbour facility.