Shizuoka Gas and its subsidiary Shimizu LNG have been preparing for the expansion of the latter's LNG receiving facilities, including the addition of a 160,000 m3 LNG storage tank and three units of open-rack vaporizers. The earth-breaking ceremony was held at 11:00 on April 6 2006 with the attendance of congressmen, prefectural and city government officials, and representatives of private sector organizations involved in the gas utilities business and Shimizu Port. The 20 billion yen construction contract was signed between Shizuoka Gas and Shimizu LNG for the one part, and Tokyo Gas Engineering, Shimizu Construction, IHI and JFE Engineering for the other. Construction has already started, and the additional facilities will be ready for commercial operation at the beginning of the year 2010.