First privately run LNG port opens

China's first major privately owned liquefied natural gas import terminal entered operation on Tuesday in eastern Zhejiang province, setting the scene for more such facilities in the future.

Operated by ENN Group, an independent Chinese gas distribution company, the newly opened Zhoushan terminal received its maiden cargo this week, with the arrival of LNG tanker Stena Blue Sky.

Terminals, the core infrastructure of the LNG import trade, have attracted many private companies in recent years amid China's rising demand for the cleaner fuel, said Li Li, energy research director at ICIS China.