The 23-year contract includes annual supply of one million tons of LNG from the volumes from Yamal project.

Novatek Gas & Power, which has 60% stake in the project, will buy the volumes as part of an earlier contract.

Engie CEO Gerard Mestrallet said: "These volumes will complement and diversify Engie long term supply portfolio.

"They will allow us to address the growing LNG demand, as well as our customers concern for a reliable, environmental-friendly energy."

The LNG will be initially supplied free on board (FOB) at Montoir-de-Bretagne along the western coast of France and will be transferred to the Engie-operated LNG vessels.

Planned to commence LNG production in 2017, the Yamal LNG project includes a LNG plant with a capacity of 16.5 million tons, and will receive hydrocarbon from the South-Tambeyskoye field.

Other partners Total and China National Petroleum each own a 20% interest in the project.

Engie manages a fleet 14 LNG carriers under medium and long term charter agreements.

Novatek focuses on exploration, production, processing and marketing of natural gas and liquid hydrocarbons.