ADNOC Secures 15-Year LNG Deal With INPEX as Ruwais Project Nears Full Commercial Commitment

Abu Dhabi | EcoPulse24

Long-Term Agreement Strengthens UAE-Japan Energy Partnership

ADNOC has signed a 15-year Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with INPEX Corporation, Japan's largest exploration and production company, to supply 1 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Ruwais LNG project, reinforcing the UAE's long-standing energy partnership with Japan while advancing the commercialization of one of the world's newest LNG export facilities.

The agreement was announced during a visit to Japan by Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, and Executive Chairman of XRG, as part of high-level meetings aimed at strengthening six decades of energy cooperation between the two countries.

Ruwais LNG Moves Closer to Full Commercialization

The latest agreement pushes long-term commitments for the 9.6 mtpa Ruwais LNG project to more than 90% of its total production capacity, highlighting strong international demand nearly two years before the project is scheduled to begin commercial operations in 2028.

According to ADNOC, almost 23% of the project's total production capacity has now been committed to Japanese customers, further strengthening Japan's role as one of the project's largest long-term buyers.

The LNG supplied under the agreement will primarily come from the Ruwais LNG export terminal currently under development in Al Ruwais Industrial City in Abu Dhabi.

First Long-Term LNG Agreement Since Global Platform Launch

The agreement also marks the first long-term LNG contract announced following the launch of ADNOC and XRG's integrated global LNG marketing and trading platform, introduced this week to centralize LNG marketing, trading and shipping activities under a single commercial structure.

Nasser Al Muhairi, Acting CEO of ADNOC Downstream Industry, Marketing & Trading and Chairman of Ruwais LNG, said the agreement demonstrates how the new platform expands market access while supporting ADNOC's broader ambition to build a globally competitive LNG business.

ADNOC and XRG are targeting a combined 47 million tonnes per annum of marketable LNG by 2035, positioning LNG as one of the group's primary long-term growth pillars.

One of the World's Lowest-Carbon LNG Facilities

Ruwais LNG will become the first LNG export facility in the Middle East and Africa powered by clean electricity, making it one of the world's lowest-carbon intensity LNG plants.

The facility will utilize artificial intelligence, advanced automation and digital technologies to improve operational efficiency, strengthen safety and reduce emissions throughout the production process.

The project consists of two liquefaction trains, each capable of producing 4.8 mtpa, for a combined capacity of 9.6 mtpa.

ADNOC Gas has previously announced plans to acquire ADNOC's 60% stake in the project in 2028 at an estimated cost of approximately $5 billion, a transaction expected to increase ADNOC Gas' operated LNG production capacity to around 15 mtpa.

Ruwais LNG Snapshot

EcoPulse24 Analysis

The significance of this agreement extends well beyond another LNG supply contract. By securing more than 90% of Ruwais LNG's production capacity years before first cargo, ADNOC is substantially reducing the commercial risk associated with one of its largest energy infrastructure projects.

Long-term sales agreements remain a critical indicator of project quality in the global LNG industry because they provide predictable revenue streams and improve financing visibility long before operations begin. The latest agreement demonstrates that Asian buyers continue to prioritize long-term supply security despite growing global LNG capacity expected later this decade.

Equally important is the timing. The agreement follows only one day after ADNOC and XRG launched their integrated global LNG marketing and trading platform, providing the first tangible evidence that the new commercial structure is already supporting international LNG marketing efforts.

Japan's continued commitment also reinforces the strategic relationship between Abu Dhabi and one of Asia's largest LNG importers. As Japan seeks to diversify and secure reliable energy supplies over the long term, ADNOC continues strengthening its position as a trusted supplier capable of delivering lower-carbon LNG under long-duration contracts.

More broadly, the transaction reflects ADNOC's transition from a regional hydrocarbon producer into an increasingly global energy marketer. Rather than focusing solely on production growth, the company is securing long-term customers, expanding commercial reach and integrating marketing, trading and logistics into a unified platform. With Ruwais LNG approaching full commercialization before start-up, ADNOC has significantly strengthened both the project's investment profile and its competitive position within the rapidly evolving global LNG market.