SOCAR trading is going to start LNG gas trade in western Africa

West African energy development company Gasol has signed a strategic alliance with Socar Trading S.A (STSA) in relation to its proposed Liquefied Natural Gas Import Project in Benin, reported digitallook.com.

The information reads that under the terms of the agreement, STSA will supply all Liquefied Natural Gas required for the Liquefied Natural Gas Import Project in Benin and assist Gasol with the provision of a floating gas storage and regasification vessel in the harbour at Cotonou, Benin. 

The Project involves the regasification of Liquefied Natural Gas and the supply of that gas to power and industrial customers in Benin, Togo and Ghana. 

Alan Buxton, Chief Operating Officer at Gasol, said: "Our alliance with STSA represents a major step towards our goal of bringing gas to Benin, Togo and Ghana, which remain significantly gas constrained in their power plants and industries. 

"In line with the board's new strategy, the strategic alliance with STSA provides Gasol with access to LNG and a storage and regasification vessel, but just as importantly, STSA's experience in the development of such projects." 

Hayal Ahmadzada, Head of Oil Trading at STSA, said: "We are delighted to be working with Gasol to help them unlock the value of their Benin LNG Import Project. Creating this strategic alliance allows STSA the opportunity to supply LNG to a market where we see significant growth over the short to medium term and positions us well in the region to capitalize on that growth." 

SOCAR Trading with the headquarters based in Geneva was established in 2008. In 2011 its trade turnover totaled about $30 billion. SOCAR Trading opened representation in Nigeria two years ago.

* There is no information about the deal on the web site of SOCAR Trading.-0-