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Algeria LNG output disrupted on partial shutdown, rough sea: sources
A LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) tanker is anchored off a port in Yokohama, south of Tokyo in a file photo. REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao
31/01/2015
MILAN/LONDON (Reuters) - Algeria's liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports have fallen sharply this month due to a partial shutdown at a plant in Skikda while high seas have prevented some tankers from entering Arzew port, trade sources said.
The 9.2 million tonnes per year Skikda liquefaction plant appears to have stopped exporting LNG on Jan. 7 and there has only been intermittent activity since, three trading sources said, saying disruptions could drag on for months.
It was unclear if Skikda was experiencing a full-blown or partial maintenance outage. State-run Sonatrach did not return phone calls and emails seeking comment.
A shipping source confirmed that some Skikda cargoes had been canceled or deferred, adding that one cargo was due to be exported in the next few days and another around Feb. 20.
Live ship-tracking on Reuters Eikon showed no ships currently listed as bound for Skikda.
One trader said the disruptions could last for 70 days in total.
"It seems to be offline," another trader said.
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