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Two storage tanks for the GCL Huidong LNG terminal are currently under construction. [Photo/WeChat account: rudongfb]

In recent years, Rudong county in Nantong, Jiangsu province has been making significant strides in the development of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry. The region has successfully introduced four major terminal projects at the Yangkou Port, featuring industry giants such as PetroChina, Guoxin, GCL Huidong, and China Resources.

After a year of construction, the GCL Huidong LNG terminal project has begun to take shape with the construction of two 200,000-cubic-meter LNG storage tanks. According to Chen Liangxi, a construction manager, the project is now nearing the halfway point, and it is anticipated to begin operations in the first half of 2025, three months ahead of schedule.

The GCL Huidong terminal is expected to generate an annual output of around 1.2 billion yuan (164.06 million). It is projected to supply 4 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually, helping reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 9 million tons. The project also incorporates two docks, one of which is the nation's first dock designed for two LNG terminals.

The PetroChina Jiangsu LNG terminal is the other one to share the dock. It is China's first self-designed, self-constructed, self-operated, and self-managed LNG terminal. Since 2011, the terminal has undergone three expansions.

The PetroChina Jiangsu LNG Terminal. [Photo/WeChat account: rudongfb]

"PetroChina Jiangsu LNG terminal supplies one-third of Jiangsu's natural gas," said Li Zhilong, deputy manager of production and operations at PetroChina Jiangsu LNG Co Ltd. With the fourth phase set to go into production, the terminal's annual unloading capacity is expected to exceed 10 million metric tons.

The first phase of the Guoxin Rudong LNG terminal, consisting of three storage tanks, is now mostly completed and the second phase will begin soon. The China Resources Gas Rudong LNG terminal initiated construction three months ago and is projected to commence operations in early 2026.

According to Shao Feng, a Party official of the Yangkou Port Economic Development Zone, by the end of 2025, the port will have the largest LNG unloading hub, supply base, storage base, and settlement center in the country.