Two gigantic liquefied natural gas processing modules were loaded aboard a carrier ship in Qingdao port on June 28, ready to set off to the large-scale Yamal liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in the Artic Circle.

The gas extraction project began in 2013 and is worth $30 billion yuan ($4.50 billion). It is the largest ever energy project undertaken between China National Petroleum (CNPC), Russian natural gas producer Novatek, and France's oil giant Total.

Once completed, the base is expected to produce 16.5 million tons of LNG and 1 million tons of gas condensates, which will mainly go to the Asian-Pacific market.

The gas processing modules were manufactured by the Qingdao branch of CNPC Offshore Engineering Company.

Integrating a number of cutting-edge technologies, the modules measure 46 meters long, 35 m wide and 14 m high, weighing 2,000 tons.

According to CNPC, the module has been built to strict specification consistent with Russian manufacturing standards.

The modules need to be robust enough to operate in some of the most inhospitable conditions in the planet, where the temperature can drop to as low as minus 52 degrees in winter.

Officers from the port of Qingdao coordinates with the members from Qingdao branch of CNPC Offshore Engineering Company Limited about the shipment of the enormous modules. [Photo/Qingdao Daily]