We will achieve an integrated value chain of the conventionally divided energy business in order to further enhance the competitiveness of LNG and other fuel procurement and create a system that can withstand changes to the business. In addition, we will make efforts to optimize the value chain from various aspects surrounding the fuel business and lead the transformation of the fuel market.
We will steadily develop our business through identifying high-quality projects and pursuing strategic investment geared toward the increased future demand of LNG. As well as creating stable revenues, it will also improve resilience against fluctuating resource prices. Leveraging upstream LNG participation will also contribute to the expansion of the trading business.
Taking advantage of world top-class offtake volume, we will ensure stable, economic, flexible fuel procurement. We are building a procurement portfolio for the future with a well-balanced combination of short-term / spot contracts, which excel in resilience, and long-term contracts, which excel in stability and economical efficiency, and creating a procurement system that responds to changes in the world adeptly.
While realizing well-timed and flexible procurement, we are also ramping up sales to third parties. JERA Trading is operating coal trading on a global basis. By early 2019, JERA Trading would become the exclusive LNG optimizer for JERA and EDF Group, managing their collective spot and short-term optimization activity in the LNG markets.
We will secure LNG, with its unrestricted destinations and high fluidity, and achieve optimal operation with the expansion of our transport fleet. In terms of profit, we will invest in vessel ownership securing stable profits.