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introduction|LNG Shipping at 50<br />
Jean-Yves Robin<br />
General Delegate, GIIGNL<br />
An achievement<br />
worth celebrating<br />
An introduction from the International<br />
Group of Liquefied Natural Gas<br />
Importers (GIIGNL)<br />
The development of energy resources and the exploration<br />
and production of hydrocarbons represent one of the epic<br />
accomplishments of the modern industrial world. Within<br />
this field of endeavour the emergence of the LNG industry over<br />
the last 50 years stands out as a success story of exceptional merit.<br />
One of the reasons behind the success of LNG is the excellent<br />
body of technical and operational guidance established by<br />
those responsible for processing, transporting and handling the<br />
product. The strong demand for plentiful, clean-burning natural<br />
gas and the infrastructure that has been established for moving<br />
it around the globe as LNG are poised to support the continued,<br />
impressive growth of this sector well into the future.<br />
Reinforcing this belief, the consensus view among experts is<br />
that global LNG trade flows are likely to double within the next<br />
20 years. Trade growth will be accompanied by an increasing<br />
number of players and the emergence of new sources and<br />
destinations worldwide, especially in Asia but also in Africa and<br />
South America.<br />
At this stage – on the occasion of the industry’s 50th<br />
anniversary – it is fair and fitting that we pay tribute to all<br />
those men and women who have made this adventure possible.<br />
These are the ones who faced up to the many technological<br />
and business challenges encountered in liquefying natural gas<br />
for the mutual benefit of buyers and sellers separated by the<br />
world’s oceans.<br />
The pioneers developed and constructed the first LNG<br />
supply chains and subsequent generations built on these<br />
foundation stones with larger and more sophisticated<br />
liquefaction plants, regasification terminals and LNG carriers.<br />
We also need to acknowledge the entrepreneurial and<br />
innovative spirit of the current players who are helping to<br />
extend the LNG supply chain into new realms, namely offshore<br />
and small-scale LNG, and to develop new market opportunities,<br />
not least the use of LNG as marine fuel.<br />
The industry can be justifiably proud of the exemplary safety<br />
record that has been built up over its first half century. So far<br />
some 77,000 LNG cargoes have been discharged without any<br />
major accident attributable to the cargo.<br />
The International Group of Liquefied Natural Gas<br />
Importers (GIIGNL) – the worldwide association<br />
of importers established in 1971 – has consistently<br />
supported the development of the industry and has provided<br />
a forum for senior executives of importing companies to<br />
meet and contribute to its continued growth. Today GIIGNL<br />
has 74 member companies in 24 countries worldwide. The<br />
three main regions are well represented, with 10 members<br />
in the Americas, 32 in Asia and 32 in Europe. The strength,<br />
geographical spread and long-term commitment of this<br />
membership are indicative of GIIGNL’s support to the LNG<br />
adventure to date and of its confidence in the continued<br />
success of the industry.<br />
The LNG industry and GIIGNL have good stories to tell and<br />
we are pleased to be part of this commemorative magazine and<br />
the celebrations of 50 successful years of LNG transport and<br />
handling. We hope you enjoy the stories.<br />
A SIGTTO/GIIGNL commemorative issue LNG shipping at 50 I 9
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