Tellurian and Vitol sign MOU for 15-year LNG sale on JKM
Tellurian Inc. announced yesterday that its subsidiary, Tellurian Trading UK Ltd., has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Vitol Inc. (Vitol) to supply 1.5 million tonnes per annum of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Tellurian Trading’s LNG offtake capacity at the proposed Driftwood LNG export terminal. The transaction price is based on the Platts Japan Korea Marker (JKM) and is for a minimum term of 15 years.
Under the MOU, Tellurian and Vitol have agreed to negotiate a LNG Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) under which Vitol will purchase LNG free on board (FOB). The SPA will contain certain conditions precedent, including Tellurian’s receipt of regulatory approvals and a final investment decision to construct the Driftwood LNG export terminal.
In addition, Vitol is evaluating a potential equity investment in the Driftwood Holdings partnership.
President and CEO Meg Gentle said, “The LNG business is evolving into a true commodity market, which includes LNG purchases and sales based on actual LNG prices rather than indexing to other energy products. JKM has emerged as the most liquid and transparent pricing mechanism for LNG. Tellurian is proud to work with Vitol, who has long been known for its innovation and creativity in the energy commodity markets, to lead LNG market transformation with a long-term LNG sale at the market index.”
Pablo Galante Escobar, Head of LNG, Vitol added, “We are very pleased to have concluded this agreement with Tellurian, which is at the forefront of LNG in the U.S. Tellurian’s integrated Driftwood project offers a unique value proposition, which we are pleased to participate in as off takers and potential equity investors.”
Tellurian was founded by Charif Souki and Martin Houston and is led by President and CEO Meg Gentle. Tellurian intends to create value for shareholders by building a low-cost, global natural gas business, profitably delivering natural gas to customers worldwide. Tellurian is developing a portfolio of natural gas production, LNG trading, and infrastructure that includes an ~ 27.6 mtpa LNG export facility and an associated pipeline. Tellurian is based in Houston, Texas, and its common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “TELL”.
