The United States, Australia, Qatar and other countries are ramping up their investments in the liquefied natural gas plant industry, and leading energy companies such as Shell, Total, Petronas and ConocoPhillips are funding new LNG plant projects.
The production and export of liquefied natural gas around the world is breaking records, fueled by economic and geopolitical factors.
Investment loan and project financing of Liquefied natural gas plant is currently taking on new forms, supported by new investment instruments and financial models.
Viola Funding Limited have brought together a team of experienced professionals ready to meet any of your needs in long-term financing of oil and gas projects.
Viola Funding Limited offers service for Liquefied natural gas plant projects in the following ways:
• Financial modeling. • EPC contracting, • Long-term investment loans. • Project finance (PF) scheme. •Project management. etc.
Our company is actively developing all over the world, including Spain, Germany, USA, Mexico, Brazil, Saudi Arabia and other countries. Contact us to learn more about our offers for oil and gas companies.
Concept of Project finance for the construction of LNG plants
Significant funds from various sources are needed to achieve long-term growth.
There is no doubt that this scheme requires clear rules and a transparent legal framework that guarantees a rational distribution of risks and responsibilities of project participants.
Project finance can be a good alternative to traditional corporate finance tools, given the high capital requirements and other features of facilities associated with the production and distribution of liquefied natural gas.
Financing large investment projects in the field of liquefied natural gas, such as the construction of LNG plants and regasification terminals, requires the joint efforts of many banks, companies, as well as the state, which seeks to form a favorable basis for the development of this strategic sector.
Advantages and disadvantages of project finance for Liquefied natural gas plant
Off-balance sheet financing helps companies to evolve Liquefied natural gas plant, cost that is more of value than the initiator’s assets.
The contractual structure of the PF is aimed at diversifying risks between contractors, initiators and other parties. Risk minimization is also achieved through insurance. Another advantage of the PF in relation to project risks is the isolation of project risks from participating companies. This is especially important in LNG producing countries with high economic and geopolitical instability, which increases the risks for these projects. In such countries, the use of project finance schemes can be beneficial as it will provide greater predictability for companies in the sector.
As for the disadvantages, we can mention the complexity of structuring and organizing project finance schemes, which is associated with a huge number of contracts and stakeholders. Prior to the start of the project, it is important to negotiate and agree on the terms of cooperation, including numerous legal and financial aspects.
A serious obstacle to the use of project finance instruments in some regions is the poorly developed capital market, which is not able to support this type of financing in a sufficiently flexible and dynamic way. Since the list of leading LNG exporters includes such countries as Nigeria, Algeria and Indonesia, this factor must be taken into account when choosing financing mechanisms (issuance of project bonds in the local market may have limited success).
On the other hand, it may be inconvenient given macroeconomic, geopolitical issues, recession due to Covid-19 and other factors. In any case, the choice of LNG plant financing options and specific financial instruments should be entrusted to an experienced financial team with international experience.
Risk management in financing LNG plants
Risk management in project finance should include:
• Identification, qualitative and quantitative assessment of risks. • Development and approval of preventive measures and alternative action plans. • Allocation of financial resources to offset the consequences of negative events. • Monitoring, control and implementation of the above measures.
Risk management activities during the construction of liquefied natural gas plants will require a comprehensive professional approach, given the technical complexity, environmental hazards and high cost of facilities of this type.
Below we have listed some risk categories specific to LNG plant projects / oil and gas projects.
Financial risk refers to changes in interest rates and unpredictable fluctuations in exchange rates, which can lead to significant losses for project participants. This risk is extremely important to take into account in international projects for the construction of LNG plants, because exchange rate changes may affect the payment of loans in foreign currency, the cost of foreign equipment and other aspects of the project.
Credit risk refers to the possibility that a debt will not be repaid or a payment schedule will be violated. This risk is related to the correct development of the LNG project and is determined by many uncontrollable factors (default, embargo, war, etc.).
Political risk is associated with the instability of state institutions. This implies an unforeseen change by the government in the terms of the concession contract or the license revocation.. Since the operation of LNG plants directly depends on access to natural resources and requires licensing, the state plays an important role role in the development of such projects. The government, as a contracting party, is responsible for taking responsibility for risk management, as well as for ensuring the safety of the project at all its stages.
Legal risk depends, on the one hand, on well-thought-out contracts, and on the other hand, on the mature legislative framework of the host country. Thus, a strong state with a stable legal and fiscal policy is a determining factor for the success of LNG projects.
Environmental risk may result in a project being changed / stopped for environmental reasons. It is very important at the planning stage to resolve all issues that relate to environmental legislation and meet the requirements of the local community regarding environmental protection.
Commercial / market risk refers to the demand and prices for liquefied natural gas, which may not meet the expectations of the project participants in the long term. If forecasts do not come true, this may jeopardize the repayment of loans and cause further destruction of the financial foundation of the project according to the “domino principle”.
Construction / operation risks. This category includes any risks associated with the activities of contractors, subcontractors and companies operating an LNG plant, mainly related to cost overruns or delays. Sponsors’ guarantees upon completion of the project are usually included in the contracts.
If you are looking for professional investment engineering, investment advisory, project management and financial modeling services, please contact VIOLA FUNDING LIMITED for details.
Our company also offers long-term financing for LNG projects for up to 20 years.
Experienced professionals ensure the reliability of our solutions in the oil and gas industry.
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Website:https://viola-funding.com/