Gate terminal celebrates opening new LNG facilities

The terminal now features a third berth, as well as new infrastructure for loading small LNG vessels. These vessels will enable distribution to LNG terminals in other North Sea and Baltic ports where LNG tankers are prohibited from delivering because of their draught. In conjunction with LNG bunker vessels, the third berth will also make it easier for ocean-going vessels to be loaded with LNG in Rotterdam.

To celebrate the occasion, 400 guests were invited to a networking event, which included a mini-symposium in which several experts shared experiences and developments regarding the use of LNG as marine fuel.

Allard Castelein, CEO, Port of Rotterdam Authority, said: "The Port of Rotterdam Authority highly values a more sustainable transport sector. As a result of cooperation with many parties we lead the way in this transition, Rotterdam is the LNG hub of Europe. A new facility as the third berth is a good example of what you can achieve together."

The Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Royal Vopak, Eelco Hoekstra, said: “Vopak has earmarked storage and handling of LNG as one of its strategic focus areas. This third jetty is an opportunity to facilitate the introduction of LNG as a more sustainable transportation fuel. It also strengthens the hub function of Gate terminal in Northwestern Europe for our valued partners and customers.”

The CEO and Chairman of Executive Board of Gasunie, Han Fennema, added: “With this facility we enable the transport sector – both maritime and by road – to significantly reduce its carbon footprint and other pollutants. The usage of gas in the transport sector illustrates the specific merit of natural gas in the energy transition compared to its alternatives.”

Lauran Wetemans, General Manager Downstream LNG, commented: “LNG is a realistic and logical fuel choice for ship owners and operators, and the new jetty is great news for the industry. We believe LNG has a strong business case as a transport fuel and we have teams across the globe working with customers to determine the best fit for them.”

Timo Koponen, Vice President, Flow & Gas Solutions, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions, said: “The latest extension in Gate terminal is a prime example of the vision and commitment needed to build the necessary steps in building feasible LNG story for marine customers. The timing in opening the facility could hardly be better suited to match with the momentum in the market for accelerated interest for cleaner ship fuel.”

Rolf Brouwer, Managing Director Gate terminal B.V., said: "With this new berth Gate terminal has increased its service to enable our customers to load LNG in smaller (bunker) vessels. With this new feature Gate terminal contributes to a solid and reliable supply chain to bring LNG to ships and other users. Gate terminal keeps building out its capabilities and will add two new truck loading bays in the second quarter next year.”

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/small-scale-lng/02122016/gate-terminal-celebrates-opening-new-lng-facilities/