Shipments of shale gas have arrived in Norway for the first time since an export ban was lifted in the US.
INEOS confirmed its vessel, the INEOS Intrepid, had arrive at its petrochemicals plant at Rafnes in Norway carrying 27.500m3 of US shale gas ethane.
It marks the very first time that ethane from US shale gas has been exported from the USA and the first time it has ever been imported to Europe.
The INEOS Intrepid is currently one of four specially designed Dragon class ships that will form part of a fleet of eight of the world’s largest ethane capable carriers.
Jim Ratcliffe, the chairman and founder of INEOS says, “Shale gas economics has revitalised US manufacturing, it has the potential to do the same for European manufacturing.
“We are nearing the end of a hugely ambitious project that has taken us five years and cost $2 billion, as we begin supply of ethane from shale to our sites in Europe. This is a world first and I am incredibly proud of everyone involved in it. I believe that INEOS is one of very companies in the world who could have successfully pulled this off.”
Petrochemicals company INEOS will get weekly deliveries to their facilities in Rafnes Bamble.
It will use its two gas storage tanks in both Norway and at Grangemouth in Scotland.
Shipments to Grangemouth are expected to take place later this year.
The first shipment of gas had left Philadelphia in the US earlier this month.
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