en.Wedoany.com Reported - Algeria's state-owned oil company Sonatrach delivered its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply to Germany on Wednesday via the Wilhelmshaven 1 floating LNG storage and regasification unit (FSRU) import terminal, as part of its strategy to diversify natural gas exports.

The cargo was loaded from the GL2Z liquefaction plant in Bethioua, Algeria, and transported by Sonatrach's LNG carrier "Tessala". In a statement, Sonatrach said the move demonstrates its ability to seize opportunities arising from the evolving global gas market while enhancing the value of its resources in strategically important markets.

Sonatrach noted that the delivery also reflects the group's trading flexibility and its commitment to strengthening its position in key international energy markets. Through this operation, Sonatrach aims to expand its exports to this market, enhance its status as a key supplier, and contribute to strengthening Europe's energy supply security.

Algeria became the world's first LNG producer in 1964 when Sonatrach's Arzew facility began operations. The Arzew facility has three production trains with a total capacity of approximately 20.8 mtpa (million tonnes per annum), though the plant has never operated at full capacity; the Skikda terminal has a capacity of approximately 4.5 mtpa.

State-owned LNG terminal operator DET operates the Wilhelmshaven 1 and 2 terminals as well as the Brunsbüttel facility, and plans to launch the Stade FSRU facility in September. The first Wilhelmshaven terminal uses the FSRU "Hoegh Esperanza", a 170,000 cubic meter FSRU serving a ten-year charter signed between Hoegh Evi (formerly Hoegh LNG) and the German government in 2022.