Dutch energy company Gasunie’s subsidiary, EemsEnergyTerminal has signed up the first company to supply LNG via FSRUs to be moored at Eemshaven, near Delfzijl.
ČEZ and Shell Western LNG have jointly contracted 7 bill cu m of capacity.
Gasunie said that this was an important pre-condition for the security of supply of LNG. EemsEnergyTerminal expects the remaining 1 bill cu m capacity to be sold in the coming months.
Dutch Minister for Climate and Energy Policy, Rob Jetten, said; “This is an important part of our approach to becoming less dependent on Russian gas, as soon as possible, but also to preparing for the coming winter. I am pleased that there is considerable market interest in making use of this infrastructure and importing more liquid gas.”
Until this year, the Netherlands only had the Gate LNG import terminal at Rotterdam.
The Eemshaven project, plus the upgrade of the Rotterdam terminal will double the Dutch LNG import capacity.
Eemshaven will consist of two FSRUs, Exmar’s ‘S188’ and the ‘Golar Igloo’. The ‘S188’ recently arrived at Rotterdam where she will be prepared for service.
Both FSRUs are expected to arrive at the northern Dutch port at the end of August. The ‘Golar Igloo’ will be the first to be connected to the Dutch natural gas grid, followed by the ‘S188’.
Together, the two FSRUs will have a throughput capacity of around 8 bill cu m per year.
Ulco Vermeulen, member of Gasunie’s Executive Board, said; “We welcome the first customers of EemsEnergyTerminal and are very happy with their support and co-operative attitude. The agreements were concluded in record time and we realise that this is only possible on the basis of trust, partnership and a common goal to have the first LNG flowing through the grid in the autumn. Together we will do everything we can to make the project a success.”
During the next five years, the Eemshaven terminal will also be able to store LNG.
Gate expansion
As for Gate, following modifications, investments and successful tests, the terminal will be able to continue offering its expanded send-out capability through the winter.
The annual capacity is now 12 bill cu m per annum on a firm basis and another 4 bill on an interruptible basis.
Gate terminal has started working on permit application, regulatory conditions and technical feasibility with the aim of launching an open season on about 15th August to increase the firm annual capacity by 4 bill cu m.
The expansion project would include the installation of a fourth tank. Subject to the co-operation of all stakeholders, the increased capacity could become continuously available between 1st October, 2025 and 1st October, 2026.
