Eneco reloads first LNG vessel at Gate terminal

For the first time in its history, a small-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) reload has taken place at Gate terminal in the Netherlands. On 6 Septemebr 2013, the ‘Coral Methane’ docked at Gate terminal on the Maasvlakte in Rotterdam. This first LNG export comes from a contract between Eneco and AGA Gas AB for the transit of LNG to Scandinavia.

Eneco considers LNG as a valuable addition to its existing gas portfolio. The small scale LNG refers to LNG as a fuel for applications including trucks and maritime vessels. Replacing traditional fuels, LNG provides significant environmental benefits in comparison to traditional maritime fuel.

In 2015 a new sulfur emission regulation will come into force for the marine sector in the North Sea as in the Baltic Sea. Consequently, it is expected that small-scale LNG markets will grow substantially and enhance a more sustainable transport sector.

Gasunie and Vopak, the initiators and partners in Gate terminal, originally developed this terminal as a LNG import terminal. However, with this reload at the terminal, it will now be used for exporting the liquefied natural gas, allowing Gate to expand into an LNG hub.

Through Gate terminal, the Netherlands is able to not only transport gas through the Dutch pipeline network, but can also import the clean alternative to traditional transportation fuels for shipping and heavy road vehicles.

Gate terminal recently completed additional investments to allow their customers to berth small vessels and reload LNG in order to support the small-scale market developments. A truck loading station for reloading LNG will be ready in the first quarter of 2014.

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/lng-shipping/11112013/first_lng_reload_at_gate_terminal_415/