Royal Dutch Shell PLC is open to doing more liquefied
natural gas projects in Russia, including joining the OAO Gazprom -led
Shtokman development in the country's Arctic region, Chief Executive Peter
Voser said Thursday.
"We are interested in doing more gas projects in Russia," said Mr. Voser. "We are in talks
with various players in the country, including Gazprom."
On whether it plans to join Shtokman specifically, Mr. Voser was more
circumspect but expressly didn't rule it out. "We have a good relationship
with Gazprom," added Mr. Voser, referring to Shell's partnership with the
Russian state-owned firm in the 9.6-million-ton-a-year Sakhalin-2 LNG plant on
Sakhalin Island, off the coast of Russia's Far East.
"Discussions are ongoing. I can't comment on any more details."
Russian media reports have suggested Shell may replace Norway's Statoil ASA in
developing the Shtokman field, a technically challenging but potentially vast
underwater natural gas field. According to Gazprom's estimates, the field holds
some 3.8 trillion cubic meters of gas.
In addition to Gazprom and Statoil, which holds a 24% interest in the project, France's
Total SA (TOT) is also a partner with a 25% share.