MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Portuguese energy Company Galp Energia confirms having purchased liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo that is currently en route from the United States to Portugal, a company’s spokesman told Sputnik Friday.
"We can confirm that we have purchased that cargo," Pedro Marques Pereira said, commenting on the reports about US LNG shipment to Portugal.
On Thursday, US media reported that a US tanker carrying Louisiana-produced LNG was en route to Portugal, which would be the first US gas export to the European market. The cargo ship of the Houston-based Cheniere Energy company is reportedly expected to reach the Portuguese Port of Sines on April 26.
Galp Energia’s spokesman provided no further details on the cargo.
Washington has long been arguing for the geopolitical importance of LNG exports to Europe, arguing it will help European allies decrease dependence on Russian energy imports. The cost of shipping natural gas from the United States to Europe remains high and requires sizable infrastructure investments.
