The TESO-2 well was drilled to a depth of 1,307 meters in the Ordovician reservoir. A successful test produced a gas flow of 175,000 cubic meters per day. Appraisal work will be conducted later to assess the size of the discovery.

TESO-2 is the first well of the second exploration program carried out under this licence, which started in January 2015. The drilling program includes at least four additional appraisal wells. Two discoveries had been made during the first exploration phase in 2012 and 2013 respectively with the TIHS-1 and TDE-1 wells.

GDF SUEZ holds 20% of the Sud-Est Illizi licence alongside the operator Repsol (52.5%) and Enel Spa (27.5 %). SONATRACH will participate with a 51% stake in the development and production phases.

The Sud-Est Illizi licence is the second project of GDF SUEZ in Algeria, after the Touat project that is currently in development phase, with a 2017 production target. Located in southwest Algeria and operated in partnership with SONATRACH, Touat is a major natural gas production project for GDF SUEZ, with proven and probable reserves of 68.5 billion cubic meters, plus 8.5 million barrels of condensate.

• GDF SUEZ announces natural gas discovery in Algeria

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This first delivery performed by the LNG carrier Jules Verne, marks the birth of a new industry, that would revolutionize the world of energy due to the possibility to link, across the seas, the countries producing natural gas and consumer areas. Many technological innovations were required to control the liquid gas at -160° C in a marine environment, for transportation, but also onshore for its liquefaction and regasification. In total, 690 cargos have been delivered to Le Havre during the following 24 years. Today in France, 3 LNG regasification terminals (Montoir de Bretagne, Fos Tonkin and Fos Cavaou), operated by Elengy, subsidiary of GDF SUEZ, continue to receive LNG from Algeria and various exporting countries. The partnership between SONATRACH and GDF SUEZ is the oldest commercial LNG chain, still active, in the world.

Gérard Mestrallet, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GDF SUEZ, declared : “This 50th anniversary of the first LNG delivery, gives us the opportunity to recall the pioneer position of GDF SUEZ in the LNG industry, thanks to breakthrough technological innovations. Today, GDF SUEZ continues to be at the edge of innovation by adapting to the evolution of a global market full of promises and challenges.”

With a capacity of 24,570 m3, the Jules Verne was engineered to transport the extremely chilled natural gas in self-supported tanks by the Seine-Maritime Shipyards and Workshops. This technology was soon replaced by the cryogenic membrane technology developed and improved by GTT, a subsidiary of GDF SUEZ, and is used today on a large-scale basis by the world LNG tankers fleet.

GDF SUEZ is a global LNG player and the main LNG importer in Europe. Today, with 16.4 mtpa, GDF SUEZ has the third largest LNG supply portfolio in the world, supplied from six different countries. It operates a large fleet of 14 LNG carriers under medium and long term charter agreements. The fleet is permanently optimized to satisfy GDF SUEZ’ long term commitments and short term opportunities. The Group has also a significant presence in regasification terminals around the world.

• GDF SUEZ: 50th anniversary of the first LNG commercial chain between Algeria and France

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Cameron LNG is located on an industrial-zoned site along the Calcasieu Channel in Hackberry, Louisiana. The plant will produce and export up to 12 million tons per year with 3 liquefaction trains. The construction works on site will start this fall. The total cost of this facility will be around USD 10 billion. The production of the first train is expected to start in early 2018, with second and third trains following later in 2018 and in 2019 respectively.

After completion of the plant, GDF SUEZ will have a 4 mtpa liquefaction capacity booked on a long-term tolling basis.

This decision follows receipt by Cameron LNG of the authorization to construct from the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and receipt of the conditional approval from the US Department of Energy (DOE) to export LNG to nations with which the United States does not have a Free Trade Agreement.

Gérard Mestrallet, President and CEO of GDF SUEZ stated “We are very pleased to partner in one of the first LNG export projects in the US. The Cameron LNG project is a key element in GDF SUEZ’ ambitious LNG strategy as it will enable us to provide our customers around the world with a safe and secure supply of LNG on medium and long term basis. We would like to express our sincere pleasure with working with our partners – Sempra, Mitsubishi, Mitsui and NYK – in achieving this new milestone. The Cameron LNG project will be beneficial for the United States and will contribute to matching the growing energy needs of importing countries especially in Asia, and to security of gas supply in the world.”

• GDF SUEZ and its partners take Final Investment Decision for the Cameron LNG project

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Jean-Marie Dauger, Executive Vice-President of GDF SUEZ in charge of the Global Gas & LNG business line declared: “GDF SUEZ regards LNG as the future of bunkering. These new agreements emphasize the Group’s Retail LNG strategy and demonstrates our commitment to the development of LNG bunkering business on a global scale, alongside with harbor infrastructures and ship operators.”

The LNG bunkering vessel will be built in the Korean shipyard Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction with a delivery expected by 2016. Its home port will be Zeebrugge where GDF SUEZ has already secured long term access rights in the Fluxys LNG terminal. The bunkering vessel will be operated by NYK and will supply a range of end-customers.

The first customer will be UECC which purchased LNG to GDF SUEZ on a medium-term basis for its two new dual fuel (LNG and marine gasoil) car carrier ships operating in the North Sea and Baltic Sea. By end 2016, the LNG will be delivered by means of ship-to-ship transfer from the LNG bunkering vessel to the new ships ordered by UECC in the port of Zeebrugge. LNG will be sourced from the supply portfolio of GDF SUEZ.

The use of LNG as fuel for meeting the increasing environmental constraints requires a network of LNG bunkering services to be set up for the bunkering of vessels in main harbors, with reliable supply chains.

GDF SUEZ is a global LNG player and the main LNG importer in Europe. GDF SUEZ has the third largest LNG supply portfolio in the world, supplied from six different countries, and representing 16 mtpa. It controls a large fleet of 14 LNG carriers under mid and long term charter agreements. The fleet is permanently optimized to satisfy GDF SUEZ long term commitments and short term opportunities. The Group has also a significant presence in regasification terminals around the world, including FSRU’s and therefore a large and flexible access to downstream markets.

*Sulfur oxide emissions by the vessels in ECAs will have to be reduced further on January 1st 2015, following an International Maritime Organization (IMO) decision.

• GDF SUEZ signs an agreement with NYK and Mitsubishi to develop LNG as marine fuel worldwide

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While the partners firmly believe the fields have material value, having been fully appraised, their future development using floating LNG technology, although technically robust as demonstrated during extensive pre-FEED studies, does not currently meet the companies' commercial requirements.

Consequently, the proposed Bonaparte floating LNG project will not be taken into the front-end engineering and design (FEED) phase at this point in time.

Santos received a cash consideration of US$200 million when the Bonaparte LNG joint venture was formed, and has received a full carry on study and development costs by GDF SUEZ.

• Santos and GDF SUEZ to review alternative development concepts for Bonaparte LNG

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Volumes will be supplied with natural gas from the US which will be liquefied in the Cameron LNG plant. GDF SUEZ will be one of the first companies to supply Asia with American LNG, thanks to its LNG carrier’s fleet and a diversified LNG portfolio.

The Cameron LNG export project which partners are GDF SUEZ, Sempra, Mitsubishi and Mitsui has received conditional approvals from the US Department of Energy (DOE) and partial agreement from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and is likely to be finally sanctioned within the course of this year.

Jean-Marie Dauger, Executive Vice-President of GDF SUEZ in charge of the Global Gas & LNG business line commented: “This sales agreement seals our first long term LNG sale with a Japanese partner, as well as the emergence of US LNG contributing to Japan energy supply, thanks to the benefit of the shale gas revolution in America. Such a contract shows how GDF SUEZ strategy is right in the heart of the present world energy challenges.”

• First GDF SUEZ long term LNG sales to Japan

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The on-shore tank, which represents an investment of USD 200 million and has a gross storage capacity of 187.000 m3 has been built to meet the highest security and anti-seismic standards. The construction was supervised by Tractebel Engineering, an affiliate of GDF SUEZ.

“The new on-shore LNG storage tank in Mejillones strengthens Chile’s access to diversified energy and helps to meet the country’s growing demand for energy. In addition to this investment, we are also developing a transmission line project to connect Chile’s central and northern grids demonstrating our continued commitment to Chile” said Gérard Mestrallet, Chairman and CEO of GDF SUEZ.

Since 2010, the operating company GNL Mejillones has been closing long-term regasification contracts with the main mining and power generation companies of Chile. The new storage tank also opens commercial opportunities for LNG distribution through trucks and mid-scale ships.

The Mejillones terminal was built as a fast-track solution to guarantee short and long-term security of energy supply in the North of Chile by GDF SUEZ and Codelco, the world’s main copper producer. The terminal entered into operation in April 2010, using an LNG vessel as temporary storage solution, and has received 37 LNG carriers to date, of which 34 were ship-to-ship transfers which makes GNL Mejillones one of the world’s most experienced companies in this type of process.

GDF SUEZ is a global LNG player and has the third largest LNG supply portfolio in the world, supplied from six different countries, and representing 16 mtpa. It controls a large fleet of 14 LNG carriers under mid and long term charter agreements. The fleet is permanently optimized to satisfy GDF SUEZ long term commitments and short term opportunities. The Group has also a significant presence in regasification terminals around the world, including FSRU’s and in liquefaction projects.

GDF SUEZ in Chile

GDF SUEZ has a 63% stake in GNL Mejillones and Codelco the remaining 37%. GDF SUEZ operates in Chile mainly through E-Cl, the largest electricity producer in Chile’s northern network, representing around 50% of the market. In the country’s central grid, the Group owns and operates the Monte Redondo Wind Farm (48 MW). An important project for the Group is the construction of the transmission line that will connect the country’s Central and Northern grids in 2017.

• GDF SUEZ inaugurates on-shore LNG storage tank in Chile

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Jean-Marie Dauger, Executive Vice-President of GDF SUEZ, in charge of Global Gas & LNG business line, said: “This sales agreement, the first of its kind, will contribute to export natural gas – including shale gas – produced in the US – to the global LNG market and will contribute to diversification and security of energy supply. It will also be a part of GDF SUEZ ambition to deepen its role into the Asia-Pacific region and to expand long term supply into a region where LNG demand for the future is high. We are pleased to be among the first movers in the export of shale gas from the US and to enter into a long term relationship with CPC and to contribute to the security of energy supply also in Asia.”

GDF SUEZ is a global LNG player and the main LNG importer in Europe. GDF SUEZ has the third largest LNG supply portfolio in the world, supplied from six different countries, and representing 16 mtpa. It controls a large fleet of 14 LNG carriers under mid and long term charter agreements. The fleet is permanently optimized to satisfy GDF SUEZ long term commitments and short term opportunities. The Group has also a significant presence in regasification terminals around the world.

• First GDF SUEZ long term LNG sale to Asia with a 0.8 mtpa contract to CPC of Taiwan

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This Project consists of the construction of one of the world’s largest Floating Storage and Regasification Units (“FSRU”) about 2km offshore in the La Plata River near Montevideo and providing the LNG receiving, storage and regasification service for a period of 15 years from the commencement of commercial operation of the said FSRU. The Terminal Usage Agreement was executed on October 1 2013 between GNLS and Gas Sayago S.A. created by National Administration of Power Generation (“UTE”) and Transmission and National Administration of Fuels, Alcohol and Portland Cement (“ANCAP”) on a 50/50 basis. It is scheduled to commence commercial operation of the initial phase in July 2015.

This is the first offshore LNG receiving terminal project in Uruguay and is also the first time in the world for not only Marubeni but also Japanese companies to participate in a project of this kind. Beginning with this Project, Marubeni aims for global expansion in the business area of offshore LNG receiving terminal projects in the future.

※FSRU stands for Floating Storage and Regasification Unit

Outline of the Project

• FSRU: Regasification Capacity：15 millions㎥／day
• Storage Capacity：263,000㎥
• Breakwater: 1,500m
• Jetty: Berthing and working for LNG carrier and FSRU
• Jetty Top Side Facilities: Cryogenic arms to transfer LNG from LNG carrier to FSRU and high pressure gas arms for send out.

• Participation in Offshore LNG Receiving Terminal Project in Uruguay

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The Uruguay FSRU will be 345 meters long and 55 meters wide, giving the GNL del Plata terminal a long-term storage capacity of 263,000 m3 and regasification capacity of 10 Msm3/day, expandable to 15 Msm3/day. It will be moored 4 km offshore from Montevideo, at the GNL del Plata terminal, which will have the capacity to receive LNG carriers of up to 218,000m3.The FSRU has been chartered from an affiliate of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL, Japan) and is being constructed by Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering, South Korea. Worldwide, in total 15 FSRU’s / Storage and Regasification Vessels (SRV’s) have been built and 10 FSRU’s are under construction or on order.

Until the delivery of the new FSRU in late 2016, the Shuttle Regasification Vessel GDF SUEZ Neptune will be used as a bridge solution, enabling commercial operation of the terminal to commence in 2015.

In addition to the new Uruguay vessel and GDF SUEZ Neptune, the Group also operates GDF SUEZ Cape Ann, which serves as an FSRU in Tianjin (China). Overall, GDF SUEZ operates a fleet of 14 LNG carriers and has an interest in a significant number of regasification terminals around the world.

The GNL del Plata project

On 1 October 2013 GDF SUEZ signed a 15-year BOOT (Build, Own, Operate and Transfer) contract with Gas Sayago S.A. for LNG storage and regasification services in Uruguay. In February 2014, Marubeni became a 50% partner in the project.

Development of LNG regasification capacity forms part of Uruguay’s Energy Policy 2005-2030 and has been identified as a priority by the Government. GNL del Plata is one of Uruguay’s most important infrastructure projects and will contribute positively to a significant change in the country’s energy mix by providing an additional clean fuel source with access to international markets. The project will also reduce the proportion of imported oil in the country’s energy supply.

• Uruguay’s LNG import terminal project: GDF SUEZ charters the world’s largest LNG Floating Storage and Regasification Unit

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Development of LNG regasification capacity forms part of Uruguay’s Energy Policy 2005-2030 and has been identified as a priorty by the Government. GNL del Plata is one of Uruguay’s most important infrastructure projects and will contribute positively to a significant change in the country’s energy mix by providing an additional clean fuel source with access to international markets. The project will also reduce the proportion of imported oil in the country’s energy supply.

The LNG terminal will have a long-term storage capacity of 263,000 m3 and regasification capacity of 10 Msm3/day, expandable to 15 Msm3/day. The Shuttle Regasification Vessel GDF SUEZ Neptune will be used as a bridge solution before the delivery of the new-built FSRU contracted to Mitsui O.S.K. Lines. Tractebel Engineering will act as owner engineer during the construction phase.

Uruguay’s first LNG import terminalGérard Mestrallet, Chairman and CEO of GDF SUEZ, commented: “GNL del Plata marks our entry into the Uruguayan market and further expands our presence in Latin America, which is a key growth region for our Group. LNG demand in the region is expected to more than double within the next 10 years and this terminal will allow us to support the development of the LNG industry and to strengthen our global LNG footprint and experience.”

GDF SUEZ is an experienced international operator of LNG facilities in South America. Since 2010, GDF SUEZ has been operating the GNL Mejillones plant in Chile, an LNG regasification terminal able to deliver up to 5 million m³ of natural gas per day to power generators to meet copper mining and industry demand.

• GDF SUEZ to develop Uruguay’s first LNG import terminal

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The tolling agreements subscribe the full nameplate capacity of the three-train, 13.5- million-tonnes-per-annum (Mtpa) facility that will provide an export capability of 12 Mtpa of LNG, or approximately 1.7 billion cubic feet per day (Bcfd), and the full regasification capacity of 1.5 Bcfd. Each tolling agreement is for 4 Mtpa.

The joint-venture agreement calls for affiliates of GDF SUEZ, Mitsubishi (through a related company jointly established with Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha) and Mitsui each to acquire 16.6-percent equity in the existing facilities and the liquefaction project. A Sempra Energy affiliate will retain 50.2 percent.

The tolling capacity and the joint-venture agreements are subject to a final investment decision to proceed by each party, finalization of permit authorizations, securing financing commitments that are expected to occur by early 2014, as well as other customary conditions.

"These agreements represent a major step forward in the development of our LNG export project at the site of the Cameron LNG facility," said Mark A. Snell, president of Sempra Energy. "This project, one of the largest in Sempra Energy's history, provides benefits to the local Louisiana economy, promotes a favorable balance of trade for the national economy, and supports national and international energy security by assuring reliable long-term gas supplies to U.S. allies and trading partners."

The anticipated incremental investment, the majority of which will be project-financed, is estimated to be approximately $6 billion to $7 billion, excluding capitalized interest and other financing costs. The total cost of the facility, including the cost of the existing facilities plus interest during construction, financing costs and required reserves, is estimated to be approximately $9 billion to $10 billion. Construction is expected to start in 2014 with the first phase of liquefaction operations to commence in the second half of 2017. Full commercial operation of all three trains is expected in 2018.

"The Cameron LNG project has strong local and regional support, experienced, world-class commercial partners in GDF SUEZ, Mitsubishi and Mitsui and a track record of safe and reliable operations," said Octavio M. C. Simoes, president of Sempra LNG. "We look forward to working with our partners to achieve a final investment decision and commence construction in early 2014."

"By being a shareholder of the Cameron LNG project, alongside strong and experienced partners, GDF SUEZ — one of the world LNG leaders — will contribute to the emergence in the U.S. of a new source of LNG," said Jean-Marie Dauger, executive vice president in charge of the Global Gas & LNG business line for GDF SUEZ. "The Cameron LNG project will add growth, diversity and flexibility to the group's LNG portfolio, in order to supply its existing or future markets in high growth regions."

"By participating in this LNG export project, we are proud to be able to contribute not only to the development of stable energy trade between the U.S. and countries around the world, including Japan, but also to the growth of the U.S. economy," said Jun Nishizawa, vice president of the Global Gas Business Department for Mitsubishi. "With the experience Mitsubishi has accumulated from more than a dozen LNG projects over the last half-century, we are committed to exert all our efforts for the success of this project."

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to participate in a stable source of energy supply to meet the increasing global demand, including Japan," said Hirotatsu Fujiwara, general manager of the Natural Gas Division I for Mitsui. "We are confident that our over 40 years' experience in the LNG industry will contribute to the success of this project."

Last year, Cameron LNG obtained approval from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to export up to 12 Mtpa of domestically produced LNG to all current and future Free Trade Agreement countries; the authorization to export LNG to countries with which the U.S. does not have a Free Trade Agreement is pending review by the DOE.

Cameron LNG initiated the pre-filing process with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in April 2012 and filed its permit application with the FERC Dec. 7, 2012, requesting approval to construct and operate the project. On April 4, 2013, the FERC issued a "Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review of the Cameron Liquefaction Project" that calls for the final Environmental Impact Statement to be issued in November 2013. Cameron LNG is the first LNG export facility application pending before the FERC to have reached this important milestone in the permitting process and is expected to receive the FERC authorization in early 2014.

In January 2013, Cameron LNG initiated a tender process for the engineering, procurement and construction contract for the project and launched its financing process with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, Nippon Export and Investment Insurance, and commercial banks. Cameron LNG expects to secure financing commitments for the project by late 2013 or early 2014 and award the engineering, procurement and construction contract in late 2013.

• Sempra Energy, GDF SUEZ, Mitsubishi, Mitsui Sign Tolling Capacity, Joint-Venture Agreements For Louisiana Liquefaction Export Facility

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Located at the site of the existing Sempra Energy LNG terminal in Hackberry, the facility will have 3 liquefaction trains with a capacity of 12 million tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per annum and will be operated by Cameron LNG.

Under this joint venture agreement, GDF SUEZ, Mitsubishi and Mitsui will each acquire a 16.6% equity stake in the existing terminal and in the liquefaction project, with Sempra Energy retaining a 50.2% position.

Announced last year, GDF SUEZ has also signed with Sempra Energy a 20-year liquefaction service agreement. GDF SUEZ, Mitsubishi and Mitsui have subscribed the full capacity of the three-train facility. GDF SUEZ will thus have access to a capacity of 4 Mtpa of LNG, which will be exported to the Group’s LNG markets.

Jean-Marie Dauger, Executive Vice President of GDF SUEZ in charge of the Global Gas & LNG Business Line declared : “By joining the Cameron LNG project alongside strong and experienced partners, GDF SUEZ, a world leader in LNG, intends to make a decisive contribution to the emergence of a new source of LNG in the United States. The Cameron LNG project will serve to expand and diversify the Group’s LNG portfolio and increase its flexibility for supplying existing or future markets in high growth areas. ”

The tolling and joint venture agreements are subject to a final investment decision by each party, to final permit authorizations, and to securing financing commitments, all of which are expected by early 2014, along with customary conditions precedent. The new LNG plant is expected to start operations in late 2017. Last year, Cameron LNG obtained approval from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to export up to 12 Mtpa of domestically produced LNG to all current and future countries with which the United States has signed a Free Trade Agreement(1).

• GDF SUEZ to become a U.S. LNG exporter, with the Cameron LNG project

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GDF SUEZ Bonaparte Pty Ltd (GDF SUEZ), a subsidiary of French energy giant GDF SUEZ S.A., operator of Bonaparte LNG project has awarded WGK a contract for a (pre-FEED) subsea concept definition study for the Bonaparte LNG project.

This is GDF SUEZ's first LNG project in Australia, which will give the company a further foothold in the gas markets of the Asia Pacific region. The Bonaparte LNG project is made up of the Petrel, Frigate and Tern fields, located in the Timor Sea, which were previously stranded gas fields, but recent technology advances and innovation mean these fields are now more economically viable to develop.

The key to unlocking this gas is floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG). This technology represents a new emerging market for the oil and gas industry, with the Asia Pacific region in the driving seat for the production.

Currently, there are no operational FLNG facilities in the world. However, in recent years a number of FLNG projects have been proposed and are now under development in Australia.

WGK is at the forefront of Australia's latest subsea and pipeline projects and has been the engineering partner of choice for world-class developments such as Prelude, Equus, Pluto, Browse, Ichthys, Gorgon, Julimar, and Macedon projects, all of which are located on the Australian North West Shelf (NWS) and in the Timor Sea.

The Bonaparte LNG project represents a strategically important contract award for WGK as they are a new client developing their first FLNG project in Australian waters. The subsea concept definition study will be executed by WGK's Australian team located in Perth, Western Australia.

Phil Brown, Australian Regional Director of Wood Group Kenny, said: "We are delighted to have been awarded this important contract to support GDF SUEZ's operations in Australia, which recognises our expertise in subsea engineering, and in particular, FLNG emerging technology.

"This is a new client for us and we hope to establish a long and successful business relationship with them. WGK has been based in Perth for nearly 30 years and in that time we have developed a very strong, local presence."

• Wood Group Kenny wins FLNG subsea project

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This latest project milestone involves BiFab’s manufacturing facilities at Methil, Burntisland and Arnish and is expected to create 100 new jobs at Methil and 15 apprentice positions will be created at Methil and Burntisland.

Lindsay Roy MP for Glenrothes & Central Fife and David Torrance MSP for Kirkcaldy witnessed the first cut of the steel, which will be used to build the jackets for all four platforms for the Cygnus field - the largest gas discovery in the Southern North Sea in the last 25 years.

After project sanction in August 2012, GDF SUEZ E&P UK placed a contract with BiFab’s Methil yard for the design and fabrication of the jackets, with the intent to place a future order for fabrication of the accommodation platform. Three jackets will be delivered in April 2014, with the fourth in April 2015. The BiFab contract covers the design, procurement and construction of the four jackets, completed with piles, with a total weight of approximately 8,000 tonnes.

Overall the Cygnus partnership is investing £1.4 billion (GBP) in the development of the Cygnus field which will create 4,000 direct and indirect jobs across the UK during the construction phase.

Lindsay Roy MP, said: “The award of this contract to BiFab is great news for Methil in creating new jobs and apprenticeships for the area, securing existing jobs until 2015, and retaining important skills. It is good to see that the Cygnus development is continuing to make a positive contribution to the UK energy industry and wider economy through the award of a high percentage of the construction contracts to UK based companies.”

David Torrance MSP, said: “The contract, which brings jobs and apprenticeships, is significant for the future and prosperity of the Methil area. This investment in the Cygnus project is also a testament to the skills and expertise that exist here. The oil and gas industry and the North Sea’s resources are very important for the region as a whole and the massive investment in the North Sea industries plays a vital part in the Scottish economy.”

Jean-Claude Perdigues, Managing Director of GDF SUEZ E&P UK said: “Today’s cutting of first steel for the Cygnus jackets marks another important project milestone, securing and creating jobs in Scotland for the next two years. GDF SUEZ E&P UK is pleased to be working with BiFab and employing the world-leading experience and skill that resides in Scotland for the design and fabrication of offshore structures.”

Greg McKenna, Southern North Sea Director, Centrica Energy Upstream, said: “Today represents the next step forward in developing the Cygnus project. This £1.4 billion investment is critical to unlocking the Southern North Sea basin, which enables us to secure gas for our UK customers along with jobs and apprenticeships in the local area.”

Gerry Harrison, Managing Director, Bayerngas UK Ltd commented: “As one of the partners in the Cygnus Field Development, we are very encouraged to see the start of construction work, right on schedule. We look forward to safe and timely delivery, so that installation can commence during 2014. It’s good to see the UK offshore construction industry looking competitive.”

John Robertson, Managing Director, Burntisland Fabrications said: “We are very pleased with our progress to date, everything is on schedule and there is a good working relationship between all companies involved in delivering the Cygnus Project on time and safely. The award of this project has allowed us to recruit 15 additional apprentices for our operations at Methil and Burntisland, and continue to grow as a major manufacturer of topsides and jackets for the North Sea energy sector.
The Cygnus Partnership is led by operator GDF SUEZ E&P UK Ltd (38.75%) with partners Centrica (48.75%) and Bayerngas (12.5%).

• Scottish Jobs Boost As Cygnus Jacket Fabrication Begins

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This contract, which is a tie-back to the Pickerill A platform, will cover the installation of a:

• 12” 22-kilometer rigid flowline,
• 22 kilometer static controls umbilical,
• 12” riser,
• 16” J-Tube assembly,
• 100-ton manifold.

Technip’s operating centers in Aberdeen, Scotland and in Oslo, Norway will work in conjunction to deliver this project. The offshore campaign is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2013 and will use vessels from the Technip fleet, including the Apache II and Normand Pioneer.

Knut Boe, Senior Vice President, Technip’s North Sea Canada Region, declared: “We are delighted to be working with GDF SUEZ to deliver the Juliet development. This project is a great example of the ongoing level of investment in the UK Continental Shelf and the subsea opportunities that are arising as result. Furthermore, this project will see our Aberdeen and Oslo-based teams work very closely. It demonstrates Technip's strength as an international company sharing expertise and resources across national boundaries and it also confirms our position as a leading contractor in the North Sea area.”

• Technip awarded contract by GDF SUEZ E&P UK for the Juliet project

by abarrelfull

Mr Stuart Drummond, mayor of Hartlepool, performed the first cut of the steel, which will be used to build the 1,600 tonne Cygnus Alpha Wellhead Platform, the first of four platforms for the Cygnus field - the largest gas discovery in the Southern North Sea in the last 25 years.

After project sanction in August 2012, GDF SUEZ E&P UK placed a frame contract with Heerema Fabrication Group’s Hartlepool yard with the intent to place future call-off orders for the fabrication and commissioning of three of the four topsides and a compression module for the Cygnus development. The project is expected to create more than 1 million man hours of fabrication and around 450 people working on Heerema’s Hartlepool site for the project during 2014.

Approximately £1.4 billion (GBP) is being invested in the Cygnus project, with the intent to maximise UK-based company content, creating 4,000 direct and indirect jobs during the construction phase.

Stuart Drummond, Mayor of Hartlepool, said: "I'm delighted that Heerema have once again secured a major international frame contract that will both safeguard and create hundreds of jobs in Hartlepool. It shows that, despite the global financial crisis, Hartlepool is well and truly open for business and there is great confidence in the town and our ability to deliver."

Jean-Claude Perdigues, Managing Director, GDF SUEZ E&P UK said: “Today’s ceremony marks a major milestone in the flagship Cygnus project which is bringing substantial jobs and investment to the UK and notably to the Hartlepool area. Construction work has started swiftly and it is a privilege to witness the cutting of first steel for the Cygnus development, which is making such a positive contribution to the UK energy industry and wider economy.”

Greg McKenna, Southern North Sea Director, Centrica Energy Upstream, said: “The Cygnus project will boost jobs in the Hartlepool area and across the UK, and help to secure long term energy supplies for the future. We look forward to working with our partners and the team in Hartlepool to deliver this project safely.”

Bayerngas UK Ltd, Managing Director, Gerry Harrison commented: “Development planning always spans an extensive period and it’s refreshing to see the start of construction. We look forward to working with our partners and contractors to ensure a safe project, delivered on time and on budget.”

Wim Matthijssen, Chief Operating Officer of Heerema Fabrication Group said: “The first cut steel ceremony is an important milestone in the fabrication process of Cygnus, where we physically commence building the first of the topsides at our Hartlepool yard. Heerema has a reputation and proven track record on delivering high quality projects on time, and most importantly safely. ”

The Cygnus Partnership is led by operator GDF SUEZ E&P UK Ltd (38.75%) with partners Centrica (48.75%) and Bayerngas (12.5%).

NOTES

Cygnus is located in the Southern North Sea, 150 kilometres off the coast of Lincolnshire. It has gross 2P reserves of approximately 18 billion cubic metres. First gas is expected in late 2015.
The detailed development concept for the field consists of two drilling centres, four platforms and initially ten development wells; the planned export route is through the ETS pipeline system to the Bacton gas terminal in North Norfolk.
The total expected future scope for the Heerema Fabrication Group’s Hartlepool yard will be approximately 10,500 tonnes of fabrication work comprising: 3,900 tonne Process & Utilities (PU) module, two bridges of 200 tonnes and 250 tonnes, a 250 tonne flare tower, a 1,600 tonne Wellhead module and a 1,500 tonne Compression module (which will be installed onto the PU module) all destined for the Cygnus alpha three bridge-linked complex. Fabrication work of the remote Cygnus Bravo development will consist of the 2,800 tonne Wellhead module.
Initial contracts worth £375 million were signed in August 2012 to start the project. The majority of this (£337m) is being invested directly in the UK generating an initial 1,200 jobs.

• Construction starts on Cygnus gas development

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This award is one of two contracts being let by GDF SUEZ as part of an initial concept definition design competition for the vessel. The award also pre-qualifies KBR as a contender for the EPC delivery phase of the project. The concept definition work is already underway in KBR’s London operations centre in Leatherhead, and is expected to last up to 12 months.

KBR has developed an extensive global FLNG engineering capability in recent years, and draws on its experienced resource pool with capabilities in FPSO and onshore LNG EPC delivery.

“KBR is delighted to be working with GDF SUEZ on this project. We look forward to working together in a new relationship which we hope will prove valuable for both companies as this project moves towards the EPC phase,” said Roy Oelking, Group President, Hydrocarbons. “This work follows KBR’s recent FLNG front-end projects in London, Houston and Perth. FLNG represents a new market for the industry and KBR’s engineering capability is already being utilized in several FLNG projects around the world.

• KBR to Execute FLNG Production Vessel Design Work for GDF SUEZ

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The Bonaparte floating facility will be located approximately 250km west of Darwin and will produce and export liquefied natural gas.

This is the second floating liquefied natural gas facility in Australia to be approved.

"My approval follows a rigorous assessment process under national environment law including the opportunity for public comment," Mr Burke said.

"I have set 15 strict conditions to manage the potential impacts to migratory and threatened species, and the marine environment.

"A number of management plans will need to be implemented throughout the development phases and submitted for my approval.

"This includes an Operational Phase Environment Plan, which must be submitted for my approval, will cover the management of discharges and minimise impacts on the marine environment.

"The proponent will also need to implement procedures minimising impacts on whales and dolphins including applying a 500 metre caution zone between whales and vessels to reduce potential impacts such as vessel strike.

"Importantly, the proponent will be required to adhere to all relevant measures to address the risk of a spill, including capacity to respond to a spill to protect the matters of National Environmental Significance.

"The company will be further required to submit an Operational Scientific Monitoring Program to enable an assessment of any impacts and implement an agreed monitoring program in the event of a spill."

This is consistent with the Government's response to the Montara incident and consistent with approval conditions imposed on other offshore petroleum projects.

The approval decision is available at http://tiny.cc/vir8lw.

• Floating LNG facility receives environmental approval

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This agreement will contribute to supply the Indian gas market, which is expected to grow from 58 billion cubic meters in 2012 to 110 billion cubic meters in 2020, representing a growth of 87%(1).

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. B C Tripathi, Chairman and Managing Director, GAIL (India) Limited said “This Agreement with GDF SUEZ is yet another step by GAIL to bridge the demand supply deficit of the Indian market in the medium term. This is in addition to other initiatives of GAIL towards LNG sourcing, creating LNG regasification infrastructure and augmenting transmission capacity significantly during the next two to three years. With this step, we look forward to strengthen our partnership with GDF SUEZ in the future. GAIL will continue to make assiduous efforts to tie-up affordable LNG in its portfolio to meet the rapidly growing energy demand of the Indian market.”

Jean-Marie Dauger, Executive Vice President of GDF SUEZ in charge of the Global Gas & LNG business line said “Signing this LNG supply agreement with GAIL, the largest gas transport and marketing company in India, is a real satisfaction for GDF SUEZ. Our natural gas portfolio is permanently optimized and thanks to its flexibility we are able to direct LNG volumes to the Asian market in response to its increasing LNG demand. Between 2010 and 2016, GDF SUEZ is planning to deliver about 10.8 million tons to Kogas, CNOOC, Petronas, Petronet, PTT and GAIL. These agreements with key Asian energy players show GDF SUEZ strategic commitment to the region”.

Note to editors:

In order to meet the growing appetite of Indian market, GAIL has been expanding its global presence to secure long term gas supplies. GAIL earlier signed a 20 year Sales and Purchase Agreement with Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, a unit of Cheniere Energy Partners, USA for supply of 3.5 million tonnes per year of LNG. GAIL has also executed the Gas Sales Purchase Agreement with Turkmengaz for 38 mmscmd for 30 year supply through the TAPI pipeline. Besides, GAIL has also set up a wholly- owned subsidiary company GAIL Global (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. in Singapore for sourcing LNG, and petrochemicals. GAIL has acquired 20% interest in Carrizo’s Eagle Ford Shale acreage position in USA.

GAIL owns and operates over 9500 Km of high pressure cross country natural gas pipeline network and can handle 175 mmscmd and is in the process of significantly increasing its pipeline network to reach every part of India. Within the next two to three years, GAIL will have a pan-India natural pipeline infrastructure spanning over 14,500 km and can handle volumes over 300 mmscmd. To secure import of LNG, GAIL is at an advance stage of commissioning 5 mmtpa LNG terminal of RGPPL at Dabhol in Western Coast of India and spread a huge network of pipeline to take natural gas to customers across the country. GAIL ’s natural gas pipeline from Kochi is at an advanced stage of commissioning phase-I and it connects to Kochi LNG terminal. Recently, GAIL won the rights to lay 1,550 km long natural gas pipeline from Western to Eastern Coast- Surat to Paradip Pipeline project.

GDF SUEZ has a strong involvement in LNG activities in India. Since 1997, GDF SUEZ has been a strategic partner of Petronet LNG Ltd (PLL), a company in which it holds a 10% stake. In November 2011, GDF SUEZ and PLL signed an agreement for the delivery of 9 cargoes over 2012.

In April 2012, GDF SUEZ has also been selected by Andhra Pradesh Gas Distribution Corporation (APGDC), as strategic partner for the development of a floating LNG import terminal project, on the East coast of India. The import terminal has a 3.5 mmtpa envisaged capacity and is expected to use a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU). If final investment decision is granted, GDF SUEZ will have a 26% stake in the import terminal project and will have access to equity regasification capacities. APGDC is a joint venture between GAIL Gas and Andhra-Pradesh Gas Infrastructure Corporation (APGIC).

• GAIL and GDF SUEZ sign LNG Supply Agreement

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