KUWAIT: Undersecretary of Kuwait National Guard (KNG) Lt Gen Staff Hashem Al-Refaie yesterday affirmed the ability of the KNG personnel to operate the liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in Al-Shuaiba area and help Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC) ensure sufficient supplies to the local market. The KNG has invoked the protocol of cooperation with KOTC and combined forces with the company at this time of emergency, he said in a statement.

The KNG has handpicked a cadre of highly trained professionals, technicians and administrative staff who are qualified to run the various units of the LNG plant as per the operating and safety standards, he pointed out. The statement followed a visit by Lt Gen Refaie to the LNG plant; he was accompanied by Maj Gen Staff Faleh Shujaa, Brig Eng Esam Nayef, Col Edris Isa, Captain Ali Shihab and director of the plant Ahmad Al-Baddah.

During the visit, they inspected the KNG backup force tasked with enhancing the LNG production and distribution. Lt Gen Refaie urged the team to do their utmost in helping KOTC implement its plan for ensuring natural gas supplies to the citizens and residents.

Meanwhile, KOTC on Tuesday got delivery of the Shegardiah oil tanker from the South Korean Hyundai Mipo Dockyard ship builder. The new ship is one of eight tankers, of various sizes and for different purposes, ordered from the Korean company in a contract signed on April 24, 2018, Acting CEO of the KOTC Ali Al-Shehab said.

He pointed out that the building of the new ship, the 30th member of KOTC fleet, comes within the framework of the fourth phase of KOTC's fleet revamp and modernization. The new tanker is eco-friendly and fuel efficient as it was built according to highest international standards for protecting the environment and reducing emission, Shehab clarified. - KUNA