PV GAS has inaugurated Thi Van LNG depot in Cai Mep Industrial Zone in Phu My commune in Ba Ria - Vung Tau province with capacity of 1 million tons per annum. The work will basically satisfy LNG demand for the eastern part of the southern region and compensate gas shortages in the northern region.

The company is also joining forces with the Vietnam Railways Corporation (VNR) and the Railway Transport and Trade JSC (RATRACO) to work on a plan to transport LNG throughout the country on the railway system, while ensuring strict technical standards, fire and explosion prevention and control, and environmental protection.

Currently, LNG imports are distributed to PV GAS clients via two methods. LNG is either regasified and compressed into existing pipelines, or carried in specialized tanks (LNG ISO Container) by sea, river, land and railway.

The specialized tanks are created by NRS, a Japanese partner of PV GAS, under special standards that meet the most stringent requirements in the world.

Importing LNG is a part of the strategy on ensuring energy security and the nation’s sustainable development. This is a source of energy which not only offers efficiency, but also helps mitigate emissions and pollution.

PV GAS is the pioneer certified as meeting all requirements to conduct import and export and trade activities, as well as distribute LNG in the Vietnamese market.

Realizing PV GAS's demand for LNG transportation, VNR has instructed its member units to plan on carrying LNG by railway. 

The major North-South railway transport route, with a track gauge of 1,000 mm and a network of container yards and cargo operations, and a system of container carriages and container loading and unloading equipment can meet the conditions for LNG railway transportation.

LNG is for the first time being transported in Vietnam by railway and needs strict operation techniques and fire prevention and control. VNR and PV GAS, together with state agencies, have built a process on carrying LNG Container from Thi Vai LNG Depot to the central and northern regions in the most optimal way.

Experts said that carrying LNG Container by railway is a good solution to take full advantage of existing infrastructure items, including stations, warehouse, and loading and unloading capacity of the railway transport sector.

In September, RATRACO under VNR and CNG Vietnam under PV GAS signed a contract on LNG transport.

Tuan Nguyen