Summit Oil and Shipping Co Ltd (SOSCL), a part of the Summit Group, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Commonwealth LNG to collaborate in the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Asia, including Bangladesh.
The scope of the MOU includes SOSCL potentially contracting for 1 million tonnes per year (MTPA) of LNG offtake, for a term of up to 20 years, from Commonwealth’s 8.4 MTPA facility currently under development in Cameron, Louisiana.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star’s Google News channel.The signing ceremony took place at the Embassy of Bangladesh in Washington, D.C. in the presence of Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, prime minister’s adviser on power, energy and mineral resources, Summit said in a statement today.
At the event, Chowdhury underscored the importance of ensuring access to energy sources to support the economic development related activities in Bangladesh.
The adviser welcomed the signing of the MOU between SOSCL and Commonwealth LNG as an important step towards further expanding the existing energy cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States.
“We’re proud of what this step means towards securing this major source of clean energy for the growing economy of Bangladesh,” said Farid Khan, vice chairman of Summit Group.
“We look forward to having Commonwealth LNG as a partner that can deliver US-sourced LNG, providing diversification of supply for Bangladesh and the pricing stability associated with Henry Hub.”
From Commonwealth LNG’s perspective, President and CEO Paul Varello said the MOU is evidence of just how aligned the parties are in achieving their shared objectives.
“Commonwealth’s focus on producing the lowest-cost liquefaction in the US remains important in a highly competitive global market,” said Varello.
“This becomes even more critical for a rapidly emerging economy such as Bangladesh where the need for additional energy is critical for sustaining its economic growth. Summit has recognized that need and Commonwealth LNG looks forward to partnering in these efforts.”
Commonwealth is implementing an accelerated construction schedule that will allow the project to be built in three years using a predominantly modular approach with major components being fabricated offsite.
