The combination of these forces virtually assures the health of the industry, despite the recent economic slowdown in the Far East, LNG's primary end market.
The chronically overabundant supply condition of the 1980s and early 1990s in the U.S. is history, and long-dormant receiving terminals are slowly reopening and being used. In fact, a system of as many as five new receiving terminals is being planned by El Paso Natural Gas for the East and West Coasts of the U.S.
Suppliers to Europe are becoming more diverse geographically, with the emergence of Qatar, Nigeria, Oman and Libya as active exporters to Europe. In the Far East, Japan's use of LNG continues to grow, and new power markets in Taiwan and South Korea are opening. By 2010, more than 40 million tonnes per annum of additional supplies will have to be secured to satisfy expanding demand.
Demand in both South Korea and Taiwan is expected to more than double by 2010 and both countries are anxiously securing new long-term LNG supplies. Qatar, which until recently had been considered only a speculative source of LNG, is currently involved in four distinct macro projects.
Outlined above are only some elements relating to the trade of LNG. Those and other constituent forces must be reported upon with immediacy, and analyzed with precision, in order fully to inform the activities of industry participants.
LNG Digest, a monthly newsletter, has an economic and business focus, keeping the reader apprised of changing conditions and opportunities that can affect the profits of his operation at all levels. The impact of government legislation and changing regulations is carefully examined in a business context to facilitate responsive decision-making. Marketing opportunities for equipment manufacturers, financial institutions and service vendors are highlighted as they arise. Interviews with government officials and participants in every phase of LNG production and distribution offer exposure to unique insights from various global vantage points. Project reports keep the reader abreast of progress and/or problems on major baseload programs. The "On Careful Scrutiny" feature highlights economic, political, and financial issues as they affect the development of the industry.
Now in its 28th year of publication, LNG Digest is the only monthly newsletter devoted solely toLiquefied Natural Gas, andis regarded internationally as the industry's definitive source of reportageand interpretation. Its frequency of publication assures prompt reportage of the changes taking place worldwide.
