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ADNOC announced the agreement with INPEX CORPORATION, describing it as a key step in the commercialisation of the Ruwais LNG project. The deal will provide for the supply of 1 million tonnes per annum of LNG, primarily from the new facility. Commercial deliveries are expected to commence in 2028 following the start of operations at the plant.
The Ruwais LNG project will feature a total export capacity of 9.6 million tonnes per annum from two trains, ADNOC’s project information shows. Once operational, it will increase the company’s overall LNG production capacity to 15 million tonnes per annum. The facility is designed to operate on clean power, making it the first such LNG export terminal in the MENA region according to ADNOC.
This SPA with INPEX converts a prior heads of agreement into a binding contract, the statement from ADNOC indicated. It adds to a growing list of long-term offtake agreements for the project that now cover the majority of its planned capacity. Similar deals have been signed with partners from Asia and Europe over the past two years.
INPEX is Japan’s largest exploration and production company and the agreement reinforces the energy cooperation between the UAE and Japan. Japan relies heavily on LNG imports to meet its energy requirements, with the International Energy Agency reporting that the country consistently ranks among the top global importers of the fuel. The partnership is expected to contribute to Japan’s energy security over the long term.
Construction on the Ruwais LNG project advanced following the final investment decision taken in 2024, ADNOC has reported. The site in Al Ruwais Industrial City will also support broader economic activity in the Al Dhafra region through employment and related development. The project forms part of ADNOC’s strategy to grow its natural gas and LNG business.
ADNOC has established a global LNG marketing and trading platform to support sales from its expanding portfolio, a company release stated. The Ruwais development is projected to produce sufficient LNG annually to power every household in the City of London for more than two years, according to ADNOC calculations. This latest agreement adds to the company’s portfolio of international LNG customers.
