Poland cuts dependence on Russia

The first shipment of gas destined for Polskie LNG’s new regasification terminal on the Baltic Sea was loaded by Qatari vessel Al-Nuaman at Ras Laffan on 19 November; it is expected to reach Swinoujscie on 11-12 December, under a contract signed in September by Qatargas, Polskie LNG and Polskie Górnictwo Naftowe i Gazownictwo (PGNiG). The delayed start-up of the Swinoujscie terminal (originally expected in 2014) is a major strategic step forward for Poland: its initial regasification capacity will cover one-third of national gas demand; its eventual 7.5bcm/yr capacity will be equivalent to half of national consumption, now supplied by Russia.