Murmansk LNG is a LNG plant being built by Novatek, which was approved on 10 October 2023 by Russian president Vladimir Putin.[1] It is scheduled to begin operation in 2027.[2]
In December 2023 Murmansk LNG was included in Russia's national energy strategy.[3]
In April 2024 Novatek reported its production targets until 2033.[4]
In May 2024 it was revealed that Putin's granddaughter's father, Yevgeny Nagorny, was hired by Novatek's owner, Leonid Mikhelson, as director-general of Murmansk-Transgaz, which will transport the gas.[5]
On 13 June 2024 the US threatened to sanction firms that dealt with Murmansk LNG, as part of its OFAC sanctions.[6]
In July 2024 it was reported that Chinese shipbuilders had stopped work on Murmansk LNG-related contracts because of pressure under the US sanctions régime.[7]
In July 2024 it was revealed that when the plant begins operation in 2027, it will have a capacity of 6.8MTPA, out of a planned 20.8MTPA.[8]