TIANJIN, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Sinopec's LNG terminal in Tianjin started accepting liquefied natural gas (LNG) Tuesday, a move expected to remarkably ease gas shortages in north China.

Ding Yi, executive vice general manager of the Sinopec LNG terminal, said the first LNG ship, which came from Australia, arrived at the port Tuesday afternoon.

The first phase of the terminal can handle 3 million tonnes of LNG and produce 4 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year, equalling the annual consumption of 10 million households, Ding said.

Ding said the facility can supply gas to Beijing, Hebei, Tianjin and Shandong.

Tianjin also has an LNG terminal run by another oil giant China National Offshore Oil Corporation.

The first phase of the two terminals can handle 5.2 million tonnes of LNG per year.

The north China region around Beijing faces a gas shortage this winter as more households and companies shift from coal to gas for winter heating to help ease air pollution.