Putin approves sale of TotalEnergies' 10% stake in sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
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Putin approves sale of TotalEnergies' 10% stake in sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on June 3, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: June 3, 2026

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Putin Approves TotalEnergies' 10% Stake Sale in Sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 Project

Overview of the Arctic LNG 2 Stake Sale

Details of the Transaction

MOSCOW/PARIS, June 3 (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has authorised the sale of a 10% stake in the sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project held by France's TotalEnergies to a company named Nordline, according to a decree.

Information on Nordline and Transaction Terms

• The document provided no details about Nordline or the terms of the potential transaction.

TotalEnergies' Position

• TotalEnergies declined to comment on details of the sale.

Implications for TotalEnergies

Continued Indirect Stake

• If finalised, the French oil major would still hold an indirect stake in the project, as it owns 19.4% of private Russian liquefied natural gas company Novatek.

Impact of Sanctions

• Arctic LNG 2 was sanctioned by the U.S. over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, causing Total to invoke force majeure on its contracts to offtake LNG cargoes from the project.

Shareholder Structure

Current Shareholders

Breakdown of Ownership

• Remaining shareholders in the project include Novatek (60%), China National Petroleum Corp (10%), China National Offshore Oil Corp (10%)  and a consortium of Mitsui  and Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (10%).

Reporting and Editorial Credits

(Reporting by Anton Kolodyazhnyy and America HernandezWriting by Maxim Rodionov;Editing by Andrew Osborn and Emelia Sithole-Matarise)

Key Takeaways

  • Putin signed a decree approving the sale of TotalEnergies’ 10% stake in Arctic LNG 2 to Nordline, with no transaction terms or Nordline details disclosed.
  • Despite the sale, TotalEnergies continues to have indirect ties to the project through its 19.4% stake in Novatek, Arctic LNG 2’s 60% majority owner.
  • Arctic LNG 2 remains under U.S. sanctions, leading TotalEnergies and other foreign partners to invoke force majeure and suspend participation, though Russia has resumed LNG shipments—primarily to China.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who approved the sale of TotalEnergies' stake in Arctic LNG 2?
Russian President Vladimir Putin approved the sale according to a decree.
What percentage of the Arctic LNG 2 project did TotalEnergies sell?
TotalEnergies sold a 10% stake in the Arctic LNG 2 project.
Who is the buyer of the 10% stake from TotalEnergies?
The buyer is a company named Nordline, though no details were provided about it.
Does TotalEnergies still hold an interest in the project after the sale?
Yes, TotalEnergies maintains an indirect stake through its holding in Novatek.
Why has the Arctic LNG 2 project been sanctioned?
The project was sanctioned by the U.S. due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

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