Russian producer Novatek has announced two new Chinese investors for its Arctic LNG 2 project.
CNOOC has bought a 10% stake in the big new programme, while China National Oil and Gas Exploration and Development Company (CNODC) will also acquire 10%.
CNODC is a unit of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC).
They join French major Total, which took a 10% holding last month.
Novatek chairman Leonid Mikhelson said: "China represents one of the key consuming markets for our LNG sales.
“Arctic LNG 2 will be a game-changer in the global gas market, and our proven track record to successfully build an LNG facility in the Arctic zone, combined with a proven logistical model with access to prospective markets and large hydrocarbon resource base, will ensure the successful implementation of this world-class project”.
The project envisages constructing three LNG trains at 6.6m tons per year each, using gravity-based structure (GBS) platforms.
Reserves total 1.97bn cbm of natural gas and 105m tons of liquids.
Novatek has reportedly reserved slots for up to 15 new LNG carriers at Russia's Zvezda Shipyard.
Sovcomflot has already ordered the first vessel in the series.
