The Altamira liquefied natural gas (LNG) re-gasification terminal (located near Tampico on the east coast of Mexico), with Shell, Total and Mitsui as shareholders, commenced commercial operation on September 30, 2006.
The official ceremony to celebrate the commercial start up of the terminal was held on October 25 2006, and was attended by President Vincent Fox of the United States of Mexico. The terminal presently produces 300 million square cubic feet per day (SCFD) of gas for CFE, the Federal Agency of Electricity. Production will be increased to 500 million SCFD in January 2007.

At this point in time, natural gas is transported to Mexico from USA by an overland pipeline. It has become necessary for Mexico to be able to cope with the increase in demand for electricity and the necessity of multiple choices of sources of natural gas. The terminal is located on the cost of the Mexican Gulf and is connected to the main gas supply system of the Gulf area of Mexico. The terminal is expected to be the focal point of gas supply to surrounding power generation plants.

Construction of the terminal began in 2003 and was completed on schedule. The terminal will be the first of its kind in Central and South America. Mitsui is considering to further deepen its involvement in the gas infrastructure business field in the Americas, where strong growth for LNG continues.

Project Summary

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