Shell also stated that the project’s design and construction documentation included a substantial environmental impact assessment then progressing through approval stages. On 4 March 2004, ECGD granted conditional support in relation to a series of preliminary contracts between Sakhalin Energy and UK suppliers. It was not an issued £/$ guarantee covering the entire Sakhalin-2 project. Sakhalin Energy WithdrawsOn 29 February 2008, Sakhalin Energy withdrew its application for ECGD support. The judicial-review papers describe ECGD support mechanisms as forms of credit or guarantees designed to reduce the commercial risks associated with exporting.