Alaska LNG would reach South Korea by a proposed two-part route: a pipeline from the North Slope to an export terminal near Nikiski, followed by LNG tanker shipments across the Pacific. The Alaska Gasline Development Corporation (AGDC) published a $38.7 billion construction estimate in 2020, but that figure is not a current project budget or the price South Korean buyers would pay for gas.
How the proposed Alaska-to-Korea route would work
- Process North Slope gas. The project design starts with a gas treatment plant at Prudhoe Bay, where North Slope gas would be prepared for transport.
- Move gas south by pipeline. The proposed pipeline is about 807 miles long and 42 inches in diameter. FERC’s 2020 authorization describes capacity of up to 3.9 billion cubic feet of gas per day. The route generally follows the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System and nearby highways toward Livengood, then continues toward Nikiski, including a Cook Inlet crossing. FERC’s authorization summary and final environmental review describe the facilities and route.
- Liquefy and load the gas. Near Nikiski on the Kenai Peninsula, the proposed export plant would cool the gas into liquefied natural gas (LNG), which can be carried by ship.
- Ship LNG to South Korea. Tankers would carry the LNG from Alaska’s marine terminal to overseas buyers. The cited project records do not specify a Korean port, vessel, sailing distance, or seasonal route.
FERC describes the proposed project as designed to produce up to 20 million metric tons of LNG annually. Those figures are design capacities; they do not mean the pipeline or export plant is built or operating.
What the $38.7 billion estimate covers
On June 25, 2020, AGDC announced a $38.7 billion estimate for project construction. AGDC said this was $5.5 billion, or 12.4%, below the $44.2 billion estimate compiled in 2015 by earlier project sponsors. The 2020 figure followed a 14-month update process that AGDC said incorporated third-party industry expertise. It is a dated construction estimate, not a final current budget. AGDC’s announcement provides the estimate and its comparison.
The construction estimate does not state what a South Korean buyer would pay per unit of LNG. A delivered price would depend on more than building the Alaska facilities, including upstream gas and infrastructure costs, operating and liquefaction costs, shipping arrangements, contract pricing, and South Korean terminal or regasification charges. The cited records do not establish a current delivered price, and the $38.7 billion figure alone cannot be converted into one.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →#1 Best Overall
- Detailed Maritime Replica: This meticulous scale model beautifully captures the iconic profile of a modern Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carrier, featuring the distinctive spherical Moss-type cargo tanks, detailed deck piping, and complex superstructure.
- Perfect Desktop Dimensions: Measuring 10" L x 2.25" W x 3" H, this compact vessel is ideally sized for display on office desks, bookshelves, mantels, or inside display cabinets without taking up too much space.
- Striking Multi-Color Finish: Features a professional, clean multi-color design with a classic black and red waterline hull, bright green deck contrast, and crisp white cargo tanks and bridge structures that stand out in any setting.
- Premium Display Piece: An excellent conversation starter and decor accent for maritime engineers, naval enthusiasts, shipping professionals, or anyone passionate about global logistics and industrial design.
- Ready for Display: The model arrives fully assembled with a stable, integrated flat-bottom hull design, making it immediately ready to accent your home office, study, or corporate workspace.
What the project approvals do—and do not—show
FERC announced a conditional authorization under the Natural Gas Act on May 21, 2020, for AGDC to site, construct, and operate the project. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) export docket records separate export authorizations, including a 2020 final order for non-free-trade-agreement destinations and subsequent rehearing actions through 2023. These approvals do not establish that construction has started, financing has closed, a buyer has committed, or the project has an operating date. The cited official pages do not give a firm in-service date. See FERC’s authorization and the DOE export docket.
DOE’s 2023 supplemental environmental review models a scenario in which LNG is delivered to South Korea and used at a natural-gas combined-cycle power plant. That is an analytical scenario, not evidence of a sales contract or a quoted delivered price. The review’s Volume 2 appendices contain the scenario.
Rank #2
- Iconic Maritime Engineering Marvel - The MOSS LNG carrier is a iconic symbol of global clean energy transport and modern naval architecture. This set faithfully recreates its classic spherical tanks and heavy ocean-going hull, offering ship enthusiasts a deeply meaningful piece of maritime history
- Rare Collector's Model & Impressive Scale - Featuring 1,342 precision pieces, this 21.65" L x 4.4" W x 7.76" H tanker is a rare and unique collectible compared to ordinary ship models. Designed for ages 14+, its grand scale delivers a commanding display for model collectors
- Detailed Mechanical Elements & Hull View - Highlights realistic vessel features including a rotatable propeller, adjustable deck crane, re-liquefaction unit, and radar tower, combined with a side hull view section that showcases the internal spherical storage tanks
- Premium Bricks & Clear Guided Assembly - Crafted from smooth, non-toxic ABS material for tight clutch power and sturdy construction. Includes an easy-to-follow colored instruction manual, providing advanced builders a smooth, relaxing, and rewarding building experience
- Elegant Desk Decor & Festive Gift Choice - Comes with a sturdy display base and an "ARCTIC EMPRESS" nameplate, perfect for home, office, or living room decor. Packaged in a premium box, it makes a memorable gift for sailors, engineers, and ship lovers on Christmas, Father's Day, or Birthdays
What a buyer or household-budget comparison still needs
For a meaningful comparison with another gas supply, use the same basis for each option: delivered price and date, contract structure and duration, shipping distance and terms, supply reliability and project readiness, and whether terminal or regasification charges are included. Without comparable current figures, the Alaska construction estimate cannot answer whether Alaska LNG would be cheaper or more expensive for South Korea.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Brand: Young Modeler
- Subject: LNG Carrier
- Wooden desktop model kit with pre-cut parts
- Assembly required; adhesive not included
- Unpainted wooden model
Rank #4
- 1/1000 Scale Aircraft Carrier Model: Detailed static replica of the USS Ticonderoga CV-14 aircraft carrier, featuring a realistic hull design, flight deck markings, island structure, and camouflage paint details for naval model collectors and display enthusiasts.
- Includes 30 Mini Aircraft Models: Comes with 30 miniature carrier aircraft models that can be arranged on the flight deck to create a realistic aircraft carrier display scene. The included aircraft add more detail and visual appeal to the model.
- Durable Alloy & Plastic Construction: Made from alloy and plastic composite materials with precision molding and detailed painted finishes. The sturdy structure helps maintain the model’s appearance for long-term indoor display.
- Removable Wooden Display Base: Includes a polished wooden stand with metal support columns for stable display. The carrier model can be detached from the base for convenient storage, transportation, or custom display arrangements.
- Collectible Display & Gift Choice: Designed for naval history enthusiasts, military model collectors, and hobby fans. Suitable for display on desks, shelves, cabinets, or hobby rooms, and makes a great gift for special occasions.
Rank #3
- Brand: Young Modeler
- Subject: Moss LNG Carrier
- Wooden desktop model kit with pre-cut parts
- Assembly required; adhesive not included
- Unpainted wooden model
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
