Argentina’s mini barge-based LNG production unit Tango FLNG has started offloading its first cargo onto a waiting LNG carrier.
Domestic energy company YPF, the floater’s charterer, said Sunday that an initial cargo had begun loading onto the 147,895-cbm Fuji LNG (built 2004). The ship is now moored alongside the 0.5 million tonne per annum capacity FLNG unit in Bahia Blanca.
TradeWinds reported last month that Tango FLNG, which has around 16,000-cbm of storage capacity, will discharge a first cargo into Fuji LNG and then top up the same tank on the vessel with a second 15,000-cbm load before the ship sails.
In May YPF was seen in the market offering for sale the first shipment from its floater.
The departure of this first cargo will see Argentina become the world’s 21st LNG producer. Tango FLNG is being supplied with gas from the country’s huge Vaca Muerta shale reserves.
Argentina continues to import LNG via its chartered floating storage and regasification units.
Chinese-built Tango FLNG was contracted by Belgium’s Exmar. It looks set to become the world third floating LNG plant to be put into operation.
The unit is fixed to YPF under a 10-year tolling agreement inked in November.
