Lisbon, April 16, 2025 (Lusa) - Galp received the first cargo of liquid natural gas (LNG) from Venture Global LNG on Tuesday, under the agreement signed in May 2018, according to a note sent to the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM). "The successful delivery of this first cargo strengthens Galp's position in natural gas and LNG, diversifying and adding flexibility to its portfolio," the oil company said in the note sent to the market. This first shipment marks the start of the rights and obligations set out in the 20-year sale and purchase agreement (SPA) signed on 2 May 2018 with Venture Global LNG for one million tonnes per annum (mtpa) from the Calcasieu Pass LNG export facility in Louisiana, United States. In a statement sent at the time, Galp explained that the agreement was subject to "the final investment decision by Venture Global LNG on the construction of the terminal", with a view to starting operations in 2022. Galp also emphasised that this agreement was part of its strategy to "ensure a balanced and competitive long-term supply for international natural gas activities, contributing to the development of efficient and environmentally sustainable energy solutions". In March 2016, Galp Energia's then executive chairman, Carlos Gomes da Silva, announced his intention to review the gas contracts that supply Portugal. The agreement with Algeria's Sonatrach was the first to end. The commitments to buy LNG from Nigeria - another important Galp supplier - are valid until 2025. Following the agreement with Venture Global, Galp signed a similar agreement with NextDecade to purchase North American liquefied natural gas. This agreement will result in the delivery of one million tonnes per year for 20 years from the Rio Grande LNG project in Texas from 2027. "Galp also adds flexibility, geographical diversity and competitiveness to its supply portfolio," Galp said in December 2022. MPE/ADB // ADB. Lusa