Gasunie LNG, Oiltanking GmbH and Vopak LNG Holding announced that they are in the process of establishing the joint venture “German LNG Terminal GmbH”, in order to build, own and operate an LNG import terminal in northern Germany.
The terminal will also provide LNG distribution services. To attract interest from the market and to gain detailed insight in customer demand, an Open Season will be launched on January 17, 2018.
The terminal will also offer the opportunity to diversify Germany’s sources of gas supply and enable access to LNG as an alternative low-emission fuel for ships and trucks.
The development of German LNG Terminal is currently focusing on the location Brunsbüttel. Through the Kiel Canal, in the direct proximity of the intended terminal, the Scandinavian countries and the Baltic States can easily be reached.
The new facility aims to offer the following services:
- Discharge and loading of LNG ships,
- Storage of LNG,
- Regasification,
- Establishing natural gas network and LNG distribution via trucks and barges.
In July 2017, the three companies were awarded an EU antitrust approval to establish a joint venture. Depending on the result of the Open Season, the start of construction of Germany’s first LNG terminal will be ensured, after the final investment decision is made in 2019, and it expected to start operation in the fourth quarter of 2022.
