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Skikda LNG | Image: KBR

The GL1K complex is Algeria's second LNG export terminal after Arzew (GL1Z/GL2Z), first commissioned in 1972. It is fed by natural gas from the Hassi R'Mel field via the GR5 pipeline. Following a catastrophic explosion in January 2004 that destroyed three of the original six liquefaction trains and killed 27 people, the complex was rebuilt around a single large mega-train commissioned in March 2013.

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Design Feed Gas Conditions

Parameter	Case 1	Case 2
Composition* (mol %, dry basis)
Helium	0.19	0.19
Nitrogen	5.78	5.78
CO₂	0.21**	0.21**
Methane	82.50	82.50
Ethane	7.25	7.25
Propane	2.35	2.35
i-Butane	0.47	0.47
n-Butane	0.68	0.68
i-Pentane	0.15	0.15
n-Pentane	0.19	0.19
C₆⁺	0.23	0.23
Total	100%	100%
Conditions
Pressure, bara	41.2	41.2
Temperature, deg C	25	25
Flow Rates
Mass flow rate, kg/hr	827,653	762,051
Volumetric flow rate, MMSCFD	861.8***	793.35***

* No H₂S is present in the feed gas
** In the design of the new LNG train, a CO₂ content of 2% molar was considered for design of the AGRU
*** Design feed gas flow rate at in let to deethanizer

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Liquefaction

Parameter	Detail
Number of trains (active)	1 mega-train ​
Process technology	APCI (Air Products & Chemicals) , now Honeywell​
LNG capacity	4.5 Mt/y (10 billion m³/y) ​
EPC contractor (rebuild)	KBR (Kellogg Brown & Root)
Commissioning (mega-train)	March 2013 ​
Decommissioned trains	T10, T20, T30 (destroyed 2004); T5P, T6P (retired) ​

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Mega-Train PFD and Main Cryogenic Heat Exchanger (MCHE) Cool Down Steps

The five steps are described in the appendix. 

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Co-products

Product	Capacity
Ethane	165,000 t/y ​
Propane	208,000 t/y ​
Butane	171,000 t/y ​
Gasoline/condensate	109,000 t/y ​

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LNG Train / Fractionation Mass Balance

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Fuel Gas Consumption

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Storage

Tank	Volume
LNG tank (new, Sinopec EPC)	150,000 m³ ​
LNG tanks (legacy)	2 × 48,000 m³ ​
Propane tank	66,000 m³ ​
Butane tank	66,000 m³ ​
Gasoline tank	3,000 m³ ​

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Export Infrastructure

• M3 Jetty — new berth commissioned March 2024, capable of accommodating LNG carriers up to 220,000 cbm; built by China Harbor Engineering Company​

• Previous jetties handle LPG and condensate exports​

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Recent Developments

• A $178 million contract with Sinopec was signed in February 2022 for construction of the new 150,000 m³ LNG storage tank​

• A major gas processing train was restarted in October 2025 to boost Algeria's LNG export volumes

• GL1K is a key asset in Sonatrach's plan to raise gas exports from ~52 bcm/y to 60 bcm/y by 2030

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References

1. Sonatrach (Jun 22, 2025). COMPLEX GLK1
2. Oil&Gas Advancement (Jun 1, 2015). Sonatrach Skikda LNG Project, Algeria 
3. Global Energy Monitor Wiki. Skikda LNG TerminalSkikda LNG Terminal (Page version: Oct 16, 2025)
4. ALTRAD. SKIKDA LNG (Accessed Mar 20, 2026)
5. KBR (Oct 22, 2013). Document No.: PP-AAA-PP1-170: Sonatrach — New LNG Train Skikda Project — Skikda, Algeria — General Manual (via SCRIBD) 
6. Sonatrach and Sinopec Sign Skikda LNG Storage Tank DealSonatrach and Sinopec Sign Skikda LNG Storage Tank Deal
7. Perez R. (Feb 21, 2022). Skikda LNG Storage Tank Deal. TankTerminals.com
8. LNGPrime (Mar 13, 2024). Algeria’s Sonatrach says new Skikda jetty gets first large LNG carrier
9. bne INTELLINEWS (Oct 20, 2025). Sonatrach restarts major gas-processing train at Skikda to boost Algeria’s exports
10. Ecofin Agency (Oct 22, 2025). Sonatrach restarts key Skikda gas unit to expand Algeria’s LNG exports 
11. Algeria INVEST (Feb 25, 2026). Sonatrach outlines massive investment plan to boost explorationSonatrach outlines massive investment plan to boost exploration

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Appendix 

MCHE 15-MC05 Cooldown Procedure (Start-up chronology) — 5 Steps

Step 1 — MCHE Shell Side Cool Down to −30°C (Attachment F/1)

• MCHE shell side cools down to −30°C.
• PR Compressor (16-MJ04) on-line.
• Input: MR vapour return line, 15-MC05 shell bottom to 16-MD01.
• Output: 15-MC05 shell overhead through 16-PICV-1014.
• All other circuits are isolated.
• Note: 55-MB01 furnace should be in service to protect 15-MC15 scrub column reboiler. Before starting cooldown, 15-MC05 foundation heaters should be in service and skirt temperature set between 5°C and 10°C. For initial cooldown, respect a temperature gradient of 17°C/hr (25°C/hr for later cool down).

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Step 2 — 16-MD08 and Associated Lines Cool Down to −30°C (Attachment F/2)

• 16-MD08 and associated lines cooldown to −30°C.
• PR Compressor (16-MJ04) in service.
• Input: 30° MR line, upstream of 16-MC04.
• Output: Points 2A and 2B.
• Note: Step 1 is maintained in service.

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Step 3 — MCHE MRV & MRL Cool Down to −25/−30°C (Attachment F/3)

• Cooldown of MRV and MRL bundles to −25/−30°C.
• This step will start when temperature at 16-MD08 and 15-MC05 cold end reaches approximately −25°C.
• PR Compressor (16-MJ04) in service.
• MRV: Input via 15-MC05 shell to 16-CRV-1635, to MR bundle by reverse flow.
• MRL: Input via TNG defrost gas upstream of 16-MC04, to 16-MD00, to MRL bundle.
• Output: Point 3A (MRV) and Point 3B (MRL).
• Note: Step 1 is maintained in service. 16-MD08 pressure is dropped to 1 barg by throttling defrost gas valve at Point 2.

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Step 4 — MCHE Cool Down Shell Side to −145/−154°C (Attachment F/4)

• MCHE shell side final cooldown from −30°C to −145/−154°C.
• Warm and middle bundles feed gas circuits pressurised at operating parameters (approximately 53 barg).
• PR Compressor (16-MJ04) and MR Compressor (16-MJ01/02/03) in service.
• Note: Step 1 on shutdown; circulation through 15-HIC-1023 is maintained until 2nd pass conditioning step by 15-HCV-1178 is completed. Maintain pressure and composition through C1/C2 make-up.

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Step 5 — First and Second Pass Cool Down (Attachment F/5)

• 15-MC05 1st and 2nd passes cooldown.
• PR Compressor (16-MJ04) and all MR compressors (16-MJ01/02/03) in service.
• Key points: MCHE shell MR temperature outlet to 16-MJ01, 15-MD01 level and temperature for fractionation start-up.
• When MCHE cold end temperature is approximately −80°C, start circulation on 1st pass by closing 15-TICV-1039 progressively.
• When 15-MD02 overhead temperature reaches −50/−55°C, start 2nd pass cooldown by using 15-HCV-1178 and closing 15-HCV-1176 simultaneously.
• Operate at 30% of rated capacity until 15-HCV-1178 opening.