ADNOC has signed a 15-year Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Shell International Trading Middle East Limited FZE, a subsidiary of Shell plc, for the supply of up to 1 million tons per annum (mtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG). The agreement was announced during ADIPEC and is ADNOC’s first long-term LNG sales deal with Shell. It also marks the eighth long-term offtake agreement for the Ruwais LNG project.
The SPA converts an earlier Heads of Agreement into a definitive contract. With this latest deal, more than 8 mtpa out of the planned 9.6 mtpa capacity from the Ruwais LNG project has been secured through long-term agreements with customers in Asia and Europe. This achievement comes just 16 months after the project’s Final Investment Decision in July 2024.
Fatema Al Nuaimi, CEO of ADNOC Gas, stated: “This agreement with Shell marks a significant milestone that reinforces ADNOC’s position as a reliable global supplier of lower-carbon LNG. Securing over 80% of Ruwais LNG’s capacity in just over a year from FID is a remarkable achievement that sets a new benchmark for large-scale LNG projects globally. While the industry can take up to four or five years to market such volumes, Ruwais is advancing at record pace. In parallel, construction, contractor mobilization, and site works are all on track for commissioning by the end of 2028.”
The Ruwais LNG plant is under development in Al Ruwais Industrial City, Abu Dhabi. Shell holds a 10% interest in the project through its subsidiary Shell Overseas Holdings Limited.
Tom Summers, Executive Vice President of Shell LNG Marketing and Trading, said: “Shell’s trusted partnership with ADNOC dates back more than 50 years and today we share a vision of strengthening global energy security through strategic collaboration. This agreement is a significant milestone in our partnership with ADNOC and supports Shell’s strategy of expanding our LNG portfolio.’’
The facility will be the first LNG export plant in the Middle East and Africa region to operate on clean power. It aims to have one of the lowest carbon intensities among global LNG projects by using artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to improve safety, efficiency, and emissions performance.
Once operational—with two liquefaction trains each producing 4.8 mtpa—the plant will more than double ADNOC Gas’ current production capacity to about 15 mtpa.
