Equinor Faces LNG Terminal Shutdown Amid Shareholder Dividend Approval
Equinor has approved a $0.39 per share dividend and announced a $375 million share buyback despite the shutdown of its Hammerfest LNG terminal. This development occurs as climate-related shareholder proposals fail to gain traction, highlighting tensions between shareholder returns and environmental expectations.
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Equinor's shareholders have approved a dividend of $0.39 per share for Q4 2025, with payouts expected on May 27. Concurrently, the company has initiated a $375 million share buyback, part of a larger $1.5 billion program announced for 2026.
However, the shutdown of the Hammerfest LNG terminal due to a mechanical issue poses operational challenges. Hammerfest, which processes 18.4 million cubic meters of gas daily, accounts for approximately 5% of Norway's gas exports.
The shutdown raises concerns over Europe's gas supply stability, especially amid fluctuating global LNG flows. There is increasing pressure from some shareholders for faster action on climate issues, reflecting a delicate balance for Equinor between returns and environmental responsibilities.
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