Finance

Russia's Yamal LNG sends first cargo to China since November, data shows

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on April 7, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Russia's Yamal LNG sends first cargo to China since November, data shows
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MOSCOW, April 7 (Reuters) - Yamal LNG, controlled by Russia's largest liquefied natural gas producer Novatek, dispatched its first cargo to China since last November, LSEG ship-tracking data showed on

Russia's Yamal LNG sends first cargo to China since November, data shows

Yamal LNG Resumes Exports to China Amid European Ban

Background and Project Overview

MOSCOW, April 7 (Reuters) - Yamal LNG, controlled by Russia's largest liquefied natural gas producer Novatek, has sent its first cargo to China since last November, LSEG data showed on Tuesday, weeks before the gradual enforcement of Europe's ban on Russian LNG imports.

The project, located on the Yamal peninsula in the Arctic, has previously mostly exported its frozen gas to Europe.

Russia's Strategic Shift in Gas Exports

Putin's Statement on Gas Diversion

President Vladimir Putin said last month his country could divert gas away from Europe, given the European Union's decision to ban imports of Russian pipeline gas by late-2027 and new short-term Russian LNG contracts from April 25 this year.

Details of the Latest LNG Shipment

LSEG Ship-Tracking Data

LSEG ship-tracking data showed that the LNG gas carrier Geneva was sailing to China. It received its cargo from the Arc-class tanker Vladimir Rusanov near Russia's Arctic port of Murmansk.

Arrival Timeline

The tanker is due to arrive in China on May 15.

Previous Shipments

Yamal LNG last sent an LNG cargo to China at the end of November which arrived at the end of January after the tanker carrying it sailed around Africa.

Reporting and Editorial Credits

(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Guy Faulconbridge/Andrew Osborn)

Key Takeaways

  • Yamal LNG’s renewed export to China underscores Russia’s pivot to Asian markets amid tightening European restrictions
  • EU’s stepwise ban on Russian LNG begins March–April 2026, with full prohibition by end‑2026 for short‑term LNG contracts and January 1 2027 for long‑term LNG contracts
  • Yamal LNG is a major Arctic project largely destined for Europe, and the shift in export destinations reflects evolving geopolitical and market dynamics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yamal LNG?
Yamal LNG is a Russian liquefied natural gas project located on the Yamal Peninsula, operated by Novatek.
Where did Yamal LNG send its latest cargo?
Yamal LNG sent its latest cargo to China, its first such shipment since November.
Why is the Yamal LNG shipment to China significant?
The shipment marks a shift as Europe moves to ban Russian LNG imports, prompting exports to China.
Who controls the Yamal LNG project?
The Yamal LNG project is controlled by Novatek, Russia's largest liquefied natural gas producer.

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