The 19th International Conference & Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG2019) takes place in Pudong New Area, Shanghai from April 2 to 5. [Photo/IC]

The 19th International Conference & Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG2019), the world's largest dedicated LNG event, opened at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center in Pudong New Area on April 1.

Running until April 5, the triennial event brought together the world's leading players in the LNG industry from 53 countries and regions around the world, looking to shine a spotlight on the challenges, opportunities and future prospects of the LNG industry through roundtable discussions, conferences and exhibitions.

This year was the first time in the event's 50-year history that it has been held in China.

Ying Yong, mayor of Shanghai, said that the grand gathering is expected to contribute to the innovative development of clean energy and become an important indicator in sustainable energy development.

Exhibitors from around the world visit the 19th International Conference & Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG2019) in Pudong New Area, Shanghai on April 2. [Photo/IC]

Darren W. Woods, chairman and chief executive officer of US-based ExxonMobil Corp, said China is the perfect place to hold the prestigious LNG2019.

In 2017, China overtook South Korea as the world's second largest LNG importer, with imports of 38 million tons, 46 percent higher than the previous year. China has built 21 LNG receiving terminals across the nation, with an annual receiving capacity of 80 million tons. 

Shanghai, as the international metropolis of China, is an economic, financial, trade, transportation, science and innovation center. China's best LNG infrastructure is found in Shanghai and is where the first station, no. 5, was built in 1999.

During the five-day event, Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co Ltd, a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation, reached an agreement with Norway-based internationally accredited registrar and classification society DNV-GL to jointly develop a LNG carrier with a capacity of 270,000 cubic meters to cope with the rising demand for clean fuel in China.

Foreign exhibitors exchange ideas at the 19th International Conference & Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG2019) in Pudong New Area, Shanghai on April 2. [Photo/VCG]