Abu Dhabi Gas Industries Limited (GASCO), a joint venture between Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and European multinationals Shell and Total, has received its first Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) from Excelerate Energy used in importing liquefied natural gas, WAM Emirates News Agency reported.

The vessel, which moored at Ruwais, 240 km west of Abu Dhabi city, has already collected its first cargo and will add 500mcf/d of gas to the grid, enough to power the northern city of Fujairah, according to Interfax Global Energy.

GASCO’s CEO, Saif Sultan Al Nasseri, said, “without a doubt, meeting Abu Dhabi’s growing demand for gas is a critical objective and is high on our priorities. The FSRU will enable local gas diversification and puts ADNOC in a stronger position to meet today’s energy requirements and forecast demand in the future.”

The arrival of the vessel follows earlier reports suggesting the UAE’s first land-based facility for importing LNG in Fujairah will be indefinitely delayed.

The United Arab Emirates became a net importer of natural gas in 2008. Although Abu Dhabi is still exporting LNG via its Das Island plant, it will now also receive LNG shipments via the FSRU to meet its domestic gas needs.