SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

Sonatrach restarts Skikda unit to boost LNG exports

The Algerian national company has restarted a key liquefaction unit in Skikda, strengthening its export capacity amid massive investment in the gas sector.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

SUBSCRIBE - 99$/year

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

Sonatrach has restarted a liquefied natural gas (LNG) train located in the industrial complex of Skikda, on Algeria’s northeastern coast. This restart follows a planned maintenance shutdown previously announced by the state-owned company. With a nominal capacity of 4.5 million tonnes per year, it is the only operational train on the site, which is strategic for the country’s LNG deliveries.

Capacity strengthening after modernisation

The reactivation of the unit is part of a broader programme to improve infrastructure reliability. According to available data, the facility had already undergone a technical shutdown in 2021 for the repair of a turbine control mechanism, before restarting on July 30 of the same year. The return to full capacity announced on October 19 allows Algeria to stabilise its exportable supply, notably to partners in the Mediterranean and Europe.

Since 2023, Sonatrach has accelerated its modernisation efforts at several sites. The Skikda maritime terminal was expanded with the commissioning of a new jetty in March 2024. This infrastructure now accommodates larger LNG carriers, thereby improving logistical flexibility and exportable volumes.

Rising investments in natural gas

The restart of the Skikda unit comes as Algeria has announced a $60bn investment plan for the energy sector between 2025 and 2029. A significant share of this funding is allocated to natural gas and related infrastructure, amid sustained growth in global demand.

The Skikda site, commissioned in 2013, was built to replace facilities destroyed by an explosion in 2004. Together with the Arzew terminal, it forms one of the country’s two major liquefaction hubs. Combined, these facilities have an estimated production capacity of 25.3 million tonnes per year, according to data from the International Group of Liquefied Natural Gas Importers (GIIGNL).

The operational reinforcement of Skikda could consolidate Algeria’s position as a key LNG supplier, as several importing markets seek to diversify their sources. According to industry projections, the stability of liquefaction infrastructure remains a critical factor in ensuring continuity of export deliveries.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Drone strike cuts electricity in Khartoum and Port Sudan, two rescuers killed
Niger signs strategic deal with Russia to revive uranium mining
Equinor contests €60mn fine imposed for maintenance failure
Microsoft signs two new wind power purchase agreements with Iberdrola
T1 Energy launches construction of 2.1GW solar cell plant in Texas
Baker Hughes to supply six LM9000 turbines for Commonwealth LNG terminal
Baker Hughes will deliver six gas refrigeration trains for Commonwealth LNG’s 9.5 mtpa export project in Louisiana, under a contract with Technip Energies.
Shanghai Electric launches 625 MW upgrade to strengthen Iraq’s power grid
Shanghai Electric begins a combined-cycle expansion project across four Iraqi provinces, aiming to boost energy efficiency by 50% without additional fuel consumption.
Zefiro completes $1.5mn gas project in Pennsylvania and prepares $5mn operation in Louisiana
Zefiro Methane, through its subsidiary Plants & Goodwin, completes an energy conversion project in Pennsylvania and plans a new well decommissioning operation in Louisiana, expanding its presence to eight US states.
France: the Council of State bans coalbed methane exploitation in Lorraine
The Council of State has cancelled the authorisation to exploit coalbed methane in Lorraine, citing risks to the region's main aquifer and bringing an end to a legal battle that began over a decade ago.
JERA signs seven-year LNG supply deal with Hokkaido Gas
Japanese power producer JERA will deliver up to 200,000 tonnes of liquefied natural gas annually to Hokkaido Gas starting in 2027 under a newly signed long-term sale agreement.
Israel seals a €30 billion gas contract with Egypt
An agreement announced on December 17, 2025 provides for twenty years of deliveries through 2040. The package amounts to 112 billion new Israeli shekels (Israeli shekels) (NIS), with flows intended to support Egyptian gas supply and Israeli public revenues.
ADNOC raises up to $11bn to finance the Hail and Ghasha offshore gas project
Abu Dhabi’s national oil company has secured a landmark structured financing to accelerate the development of the Hail and Ghasha gas project, while maintaining strategic control over its infrastructure.
Sawgrass LNG marks eight years of liquefied natural gas deliveries to The Bahamas
U.S.-based Sawgrass LNG & Power celebrates eight consecutive years of LNG exports to The Bahamas, reinforcing its position in regional energy trade.
Kinder Morgan restores EPNG capacity at Lordsburg earlier than expected
Kinder Morgan restored the EPNG pipeline capacity at Lordsburg on December 13, ending a constraint that had driven Waha prices negative. The move highlights the Permian’s fragile balance, operating near the limits of its gas evacuation infrastructure.
ENGIE commissions 875 MW of flexible capacity to support Belgian grid
ENGIE activates key projects in Belgium, including an 875 MW gas-fired plant in Flémalle and a battery storage system in Vilvoorde, to strengthen electricity supply security and grid flexibility.
Hungary signs five-year gas deal with Chevron despite ties to Moscow
Hungary has signed a contract with US company Chevron to import 400mn m³ of LNG per year, while maintaining a structural dependence on Russian gas through a long-term agreement with Gazprom.
Subsea7 secures $300mn contract for Gorgon Stage 3 project in Australia
Chevron Australia awards Subsea7 a major contract for subsea installation on the Gorgon Stage 3 project, with offshore operations scheduled for 2028 at 1,350 metres depth.
Ovintiv signs 12-year deal for access to Cedar LNG liquefaction capacity
Ovintiv has entered into an agreement with Pembina Pipeline Corporation to secure 0.5 million tonnes per annum of LNG liquefaction capacity over 12 years, strengthening its export outlook to Asian markets.
TotalEnergies sells 9.998% stake in Malaysia’s SK408 block to PTTEP
TotalEnergies has completed the sale of a minority stake in a Malaysian offshore gas block to PTTEP, while retaining its operator role and a majority share.
Brussels eases methane stance to secure gas imports
The European Union will apply its methane emissions rules more flexibly to secure liquefied natural gas supplies from 2027.
Caracas ends gas trade with Trinidad and Tobago after tanker seizure
Venezuela has ended all energy cooperation with Trinidad and Tobago after the seizure of an oil tanker carrying crude by the United States, accusing the archipelago of participating in the military operation in the Caribbean.
National Fuel raises $350mn through private placement to fund strategic acquisition
National Fuel has secured $350mn in a private placement of common stock with accredited investors to support the acquisition of CenterPoint’s regulated gas business in Ohio.
François Michel appointed CEO of GTT after record year
GTT appoints François Michel as CEO starting January 5, separating governance roles after strong revenue and profit growth in 2024.
Washington demands methane exemption until 2035 to protect its LNG exports
The United States is requesting a derogation from EU methane rules, citing the Union’s energy security needs and the technical limits of its liquefied natural gas export model.
Falcon completes SS2-1H well stimulation programme in the Beetaloo
Falcon Oil & Gas and its partner Tamboran have completed stimulation of the SS2-1H horizontal well in the Beetaloo Sub-basin, a key step ahead of initial production tests expected in early 2026.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

START - 99$/year

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.