In recent years, liquified natural gas (LNG) has gained considerable attention as a clean, abundant source of energy, and demand has increased among electric and gas utilities. MOL is the leader in this expanding field, involved in about one-third of worldwide LNG transport projects. For example, in 1993, we led a Japanese consortium that signed one of the largest LNG shipping contract ever — a 25-year deal in which 10 advanced new ships will transport ? U million tons of LNG a year from Qatar to Japan. As the leader of the consortium, MOL is responsible for ensuring a safe, stable energy supply for Japan.