20 November 2008
“Today, we are happy to launch the first phase of the Yemen LNG project with the gas arriving in Balhaf from the fields of Marib through the 320-kilometre pipeline. It is a major milestone towards commercial production,” said H.E. President Ali Abdullah Saleh on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 at the inauguration of the Gas-In to Balhaf. “This project is a great achievement and will help boost the economy and the development of Yemen by generating more revenues,” added President Saleh. President Saleh also commended the trained Yemeni workforce of the Project. “This skilled workforce will no longer be a burden on the State and will easily be absorbed in the local and neighbouring labour markets,” concluded President Saleh.

Marking the completion of pipeline construction works and the beginning of the commissioning phase of Yemen LNG plant, Yemen LNG celebrated the inauguration of gas-in in Balhaf on Wednesday, 19 November 2008.

The gas introduction in the Yemen LNG 38-inch pipeline (Gas-In) had started from Kamil Processing Unit (KPU) located in Block 18, Marib Governorate on Wednesday, 12 November at 9:45 am. The pressurisation of the pipeline was performed by segments until ultimately filling the pipeline from KPU to Balhaf with natural gas at a pressure of 35 Barg (500 psig) to start commissioning of the Balhaf LNG plant utilities. The gas flow rate from KPU was 59,000 m3/hr which allowed the completion of the pressurisation up to Balhaf Plant gas inlet on 19th November 2008.

This major milestone has been achieved thanks to the proactive and positive attitude shown by all parties involved in the preparation of this operation including the good cooperation of Safer Exploration & Production Operations Company, the Operator of Block 18 (Upstream) from where the feed gas comes in Marib Governorate.

In addition to H.E. President Saleh and several State dignitaries and officials, this high profile event was attended by H.E. Mr Ameer Salem Al-Aidaroos, Minister of Oil and Minerals, as well as several other Ministers, and by Mr Christophe de Margerie, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Total, Lead Shareholder of Yemen LNG.

Although the Yemen LNG liquefaction plant in Balhaf is designed in accordance with a non-flaring policy, it has two different flares: the Derrick Flare and the Marine Flare. The two flares will not be used for regular flaring but will function as the main safety devices for protection in cases of emergency. The Derrick Flare will be used in cases of shutdown to depressurise the gas, whereas the Marine Flare will be used to ensure safety and protection during the loading of LNG tankers to flare the boil-off gas if necessary. It will also be used during the commissioning phase for testing purposes.