Key Points:
- 20-Year Deal: Vitol, Delfin LNG, and IRH sign a 20-year agreement for 1 million tons of LNG supply annually.
- Strategic Expansion: The IRH LNG partnership strengthens IRH’s global trading presence from Abu Dhabi.
- Energy Security Boost: The deal supports U.S. LNG exports and ensures long-term supply stability.
IRH LNG partnership: Vitol SA, Delfin LNG LLC, and International Resources Holding (IRH) have signed a 20-year agreement for the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG), marking a significant expansion in global energy trading partnerships.
Under the terms of the deal announced Wednesday, Delfin LNG will supply 1 million tons of LNG per year from its U.S.-based export facility. The LNG will be delivered to Vitol on a free-on-board (FOB) basis, meaning Delfin will cover all costs and risks until the cargo is loaded onto the vessel. Vitol, one of the world’s largest independent energy traders, will act as the offtaker, delivering the cargoes to IRH Global Trading Ltd., the trading arm of International Resources Holding.
Partnership expands energy reach
The IRH LNG partnership aligns with IRH’s strategy to grow its integrated global trading platform. “As part of our vision to build an integrated global trading platform headquartered in Abu Dhabi, IRHGT is actively expanding its presence across physical and financial markets in natural gas, power, crude oil, refined products, metals, and equities,” said Ali Rashed AlRashdi, CEO of IRH.
The partnership is expected to strengthen trade flows between U.S. LNG producers and global buyers, supporting energy security and diversification of supply chains. Delfin LNG specializes in floating LNG (FLNG) export infrastructure, offering flexible and scalable solutions for gas exports from the U.S. Gulf Coast.
Final details to be completed
According to Delfin LNG CEO Dudley Poston, the parties are finalizing definitive agreements and moving toward a final investment decision (FID) for Delfin’s first FLNG vessel. “We look forward to working together as we make the Final Investment Decision on the first FLNG Vessel in the coming weeks,” Poston said.
The new IRH LNG partnership comes as LNG demand continues to grow, driven by Asia’s expanding energy needs and Europe’s efforts to secure long-term gas supply alternatives. Analysts say multi-decade contracts like this provide stability for both suppliers and buyers amid volatile energy markets.
Industry significance
Vitol’s participation reinforces its role as a key intermediary in global LNG trade. The company handles millions of tons of LNG annually and has been investing in projects that ensure a reliable supply to its customers worldwide. Delfin LNG’s floating export model, which uses offshore vessels instead of traditional onshore terminals, offers flexibility and reduces infrastructure costs.
International Resources Holding, a subsidiary of ePointZero, operates as a mine-to-market platform involved in energy, metals, and trading. Its growing footprint in global commodities aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader ambitions to strengthen its role in international resource markets.
Outlook
The IRH LNG partnership adds momentum to the U.S. LNG sector, which continues to attract long-term contracts amid global energy transitions. Final agreements are expected in the coming weeks, signaling continued collaboration among major energy players across the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East.
Once finalized, the contract will secure LNG deliveries for two decades, bolstering IRH’s trading portfolio and supporting Delfin LNG’s position as a key exporter in the expanding global LNG market.
