Petrolife, Thrives in the LNG Industry

In 2018, Malaysia took a significant step in liberalising its natural gas supply market, allowing licensed importers and shippers to engage in the importation, distribution, and supply of LNG. Petrolife, leveraging its expertise and experience in the oil and gas industry for over 20 years, capitalised on this opportunity to expand its business into the LNG sector. Petrolife Engineering Sdn. Bhd., the company’s upstream division, had already undertaken several projects with multinational oil companies, laying a strong foundation for future growth.

That year, Petrolife Aero Sdn. Bhd. became one of the first companies to be granted a special license by the Suruhanjaya Tenaga Malaysia (Energy Commission of Malaysia) for importing LNG and selling natural gas and LNG in Malaysia. This licensing was a crucial step in line with the gas market liberalisation goals outlined in the Gas Supply Act (Amendment) 2016.

With over a decade of experience, Petrolife, a pioneering Malaysian company in the downstream liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply industry, has successfully established itself as a key player in the global LNG trading network. Let’s take a closer look at their journey of dominance in the industry.

To further their expansion efforts, Petrolife established two key subsidiaries that have played a crucial role in their success. In 2015, Petrolife LNG Pte. Ltd. was founded in Singapore, focusing on the trading of LNG and petrochemical products. Simultaneously, Petrolife Aero Sdn. Bhd. was established to develop the company’s presence in the natural gas and LNG sector in Malaysia. These strategic moves have enabled Petrolife to broaden its reach and strengthen its foothold in the market.

At the core of Petrolife’s business lies a wide range of energy services that cater to diverse needs:

• Licensed Importing/Exporting of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) in Malaysia.
• Cost-effective solutions for customers without access to the Gas Pipeline, utilising ISO Tanks, LNG Road Trucks, and their innovative Virtual Pipeline System (VPS). This ensures efficient and flexible delivery of LNG and Natural Gas.
• Selling LNG or Natural Gas through Import LNG Regassification Terminals, PGU Pipelines and Natural Gas Distribution Pipelines for Power Plants and Industrial Factories
• Pioneering co – generation Power System Provider powered by gas.

Petrolife understands the importance of meeting the specific needs of industrial consumers. They offer a range of natural gas and LNG supply options, including:

• Supply via Existing Pipelines: Petrolife supplies natural gas and LNG through existing pipelines, ensuring reliable delivery to industrial consumers.
• Distribution Using Cryogenic ISO Containers or ISO Tanks: To reach customers without access to pipelines, Petrolife utilises cryogenic ISO containers or ISO tanks, enabling the safe and efficient distribution of LNG.
• On-site LNG Storage Tanks: Petrolife installs on-site LNG storage tanks at customer locations, ensuring a readily available supply of LNG for their operations.
• Developing LNG Storage Tank Farms with Regasification Capabilities: Petrolife aims to develop LNG storage tank farms equipped with satellite LNG regasification capabilities, further enhancing supply options for industrial consumers.
• Provide Co-generation Power System (Cogen) which is powered by gas.

In addition to upstream and trading activities, Petrolife places significant emphasis on downstream gas supply to enhance LNG quality and sustainability. The company achieves this by making strategic investments and collaborations with partners. As an independent LNG trader, Petrolife has earned a reputation for competitive pricing and exceptional service levels, securing supply agreements with major global LNG producers.

Datuk Mohd Aqliff Shane Abdullah

Managing Director of Petrolife

The year 2019 marked a significant milestone for Petrolife as it became a pioneer in LNG Virtual Pipeline System (VPS) supply in Malaysia. This innovative approach enabled Petrolife to distribute LNG to energy users who were not connected to pipeline networks, employing a combination of marine and land transportation methods.

Building upon their successes, in 2022, Petrolife expanded its operations to offer Third Party Access (TPA), bringing natural gas to industrial customers in non-power sectors across Malaysia’s Natural Gas Distribution System (NGDS). This strategic move propelled Petrolife to become a leading supplier of natural gas, firmly establishing their dominance in the LNG downstream market.

By January 2023, Petrolife had emerged as the third-largest volume distributor of natural gas in Malaysia, trailing only Petronas and Gas Malaysia. With their expertise and experience in the local downstream sector, Petrolife has actively participated in small-scale LNG supply in regional markets such as China and India. This achievement not only reflects the company’s dedication to meeting the country’s energy demands but also solidifies its position as a leading player in both the domestic and global markets.

Petrolife has successfully solidified its position as a leader in LNG trading and distribution. From breaking monopolies to capitalising on market liberalisation, the company has adeptly navigated the changing dynamics of the industry. Petrolife’s versatile supply options, competitive pricing, and exceptional service levels have made it a preferred partner for customers worldwide.

With their relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction and a strong focus on sustainability, Petrolife is poised to shape the future of the LNG industry.