Technicians keep a close eye on the operation of the new LNG storage tanks at Yangkou Port. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

After a 72-hour performance test of support facilities, two new 200,000-cubic-meter LNG storage tanks for the PetroChina Jiangsu LNG Terminal's phase III expansion project began to supply natural gas on Sept 26.

Located in Yangkou Port, Rudong county – administered by Nantong in East China's Jiangsu province, PetroChina's terminal is regarded as the gas loading center of the Yangtze River Delta. It is a key project in development of the nation's natural gas production, supply, storage and marketing system.

Following the addition of the new tanks, adding to the four existing storage tanks in the first and second phases, the overall gas storage capacity of the terminal has increased to 1.08 million cu m.

Six LNG storage tanks are now being operated by PetroChina at Yangkou Port. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

It's been estimated that daily natural gas shipments will increase by 4 million cu m this winter and next spring from the Jiangsu LNG Terminal – while the total supply of natural gas will increase by 250 million cu m over the period in the YRD region.

As the first LNG terminal being operated by PetroChina and the first LNG terminal in Jiangsu province, the PetroChina Jiangsu LNG Terminal has to date received and unloaded a total of 39 million tons of LNG from 25 countries and regions, supplying 58 billion cu m of natural gas to the YRD region and surrounding areas.

Its operations have meant the saving of the equivalent of 69.6 million tons of standard coal and reduced the equivalent of 63.8 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions – reportedly making significant contributions to regional economic adjustments and ecological and environmental protection.