Sakhalin Energy, the operator of Sakhalin II project, launched the first Russian LNG plant in Sakhalin. First LNG deliveries to Japanese consumers are scheduled to start at the end of March. In 2009 the expected volume of liquefied natural gas produced within Sakhalin II project is 6 million tons.
      
      Having a capacity of 9.6 billion tons per year the plant will produce gas for the Asia&Pacific Rim.
      
      Sakhalin II project is being implemented under the Production Sharing Agreement signed in 1994. Gazprom holds the major stake in the project (50% plus 1 share), Royal Dutch Shell has a 27.5% stake, while Japanese Mitsui and Mitsubishi hold the rest 12.5% and 10% consequently.
      
      source:
      Russian Busniess