ADNOC secures long-term LNG deal with Japan’s Osaka Gas
Under the deal, LNG cargoes will be shipped to Osaka Gas and its Singapore-based subsidiary, Osaka Gas Energy Supply and Trading
ADNOC has signed a long-term sales and purchase agreement (SPA) with Japan’s Osaka Gas, marking a significant step in the UAE energy giant’s global expansion strategy and reinforcing ties with a key Asian partner.
The deal, which converts a prior heads-of-agreement into a definitive contract, will see ADNOC supply up to 0.8 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from its lower-carbon Ruwais LNG project over 15 years.
The agreement represents the first long-term LNG contract between ADNOC and Osaka Gas and comes as ADNOC continues to strengthen its foothold in the international LNG market.
ADNOC’s Ruwais LNG project to begin operations in 2028
The Ruwais LNG project, currently under development in Al Ruwais Industrial City, Abu Dhabi, is expected to begin commercial operations in 2028.
To date, up to 8 mtpa of the project’s 9.6 mtpa production capacity has been committed to buyers across Asia and Europe through similar long-term deals.
“This agreement with Osaka Gas reinforces our long-standing energy partnership with Japan and supports our strategy to expand our global LNG footprint,” said Rashid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, ADNOC SVP, Marketing. “Through our world-class Ruwais LNG project, ADNOC will continue to provide more lower-carbon gas to meet growing global demand, fuel industries and power homes.”
LNG cargoes under the deal will be shipped to Osaka Gas and its Singapore-based subsidiary, Osaka Gas Energy Supply and Trading (OGEST).
Keiji Takemori, EVP of Osaka Gas, highlighted the historical ties between Abu Dhabi and Osaka, dating back to the 1970 World Expo in Japan. “This year, Osaka once again hosts the World Expo, and we are delighted to announce the signing of a long-term LNG Sale and Purchase Agreement with ADNOC in this landmark year. ADNOC has been a reliable LNG supplier to Japan for nearly half a century. This new contract, with such a trusted LNG provider, will help ensure a stable energy supply for our customers,” he said.
First export facility of its kind in the Middle East
The Ruwais LNG plant will be the first export facility of its kind in the Middle East and Africa to operate on clean power, making it one of the lowest-carbon intensity LNG plants globally. The facility will leverage artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to enhance safety and efficiency while minimising emissions.
As part of ADNOC Gas’ expansion strategy, the company announced in November 2024 that it expects to acquire ADNOC’s 60 per cent stake in the Ruwais LNG project at an estimated cost of $5bn by H2 2028.
The project’s completion, featuring two liquefaction trains with a total capacity of 9.6 mtpa, will more than double ADNOC Gas’ existing operated LNG production capacity to around 15 mtpa.
ADNOC has been actively bolstering its market presence. In February 2025, the company completed a marketed offering of 3.1 billion ordinary shares in ADNOC Gas to institutional investors, increasing its free float and paving the way for potential inclusion in global indices such as the MSCI Emerging Market Index and the FTSE Emerging Market Index.
