Shell has struck a deal to sell a 26.25% stake in the Queensland Curtis LNG (QCLNG) common facilities to Global Infrastructure Partners Australia for £1.9 billion.
The facilities are currently 100% owned by Shell subsidiary QGC Common Facilities Company.
Curtis comprises LNG storage tanks, jetties and operations infrastructure that service QCLNG’s LNG trains.
The transaction is subject to regulatory approval in Australia and customary conditions.
It is expected to complete in the first half of 2021.
Upon completion of the transaction, Shell will remain majority owner and operator of the facilities.
The move fits in with Shell’s strategy of selling non-core assets in order to further high-grade and simplify Shell’s portfolio.
The sale will contribute to Shell’s expected divestment proceeds, without impact on people or the operations of the QCLNG venture, and aligns Shell’s interest in the Common Facilities with its 73.75% interest in the overall QCLNG venture.
Due to the advantages it offers as a complement to renewable energy and as the cleanest burning hydrocarbon, natural gas is a core component of Shell’s strategy to provide more and cleaner energy solutions.
Global LNG demand is expected to outpace total demand for energy and the QCLNG venture is crucial in helping Shell meet the world’s growing energy needs.