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The Zeebrugge LNG terminal could soon be the first to allow both standard LNG tankers and regasification tankers to call.
A second jetty for regasifaction tankers is in prospect on the back of an MOU that has just been signed between Fluxys LNG and Exmar.
Brussels-based Fluxys LNG is launching a detailed study on the project with the aim being to enable regasification ships to moor at the new jetty.
According to the MOU Antwerp-based Exmar has committed to book long-term capacity with Fluxys LNG.
A Fluxys official said that twice as many ships are expected to unload at the terminal in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year, attributing this to the terminal's first capacity enhancement last year.
“A second jetty would serve as an attractor for additional LNG shipping traffic,” said Pascal De Buck, commercial director and member of the executive board for Fluxys.
De Buck added that “enabling reception of regasification ships would further strengthen the role of Zeebrugge as a crossroads for Western European natural gas flows and contribute to diversification of sources, security of supply and liquidity of the natural gas market.”
According to Exmar CEO Nicolas Saverys, “natural gas can be moved in any direction from Zeebrugge: to the Zeebrugge Hub short-term market, to the Belgian market, to all neighbouring markets and to markets further afield.”
“This makes Zeebrugge an outstanding location for our regasification ships to unload. The flexibility of our regasification ships is a huge asset, enabling us to respond very quickly to market signals.”
Standard LNG tankers unload their cargo into storage tanks at a terminal. The LNG is then regasified and injected into the grid.
Regasification tankers also transport LNG, but they regasify it on board and then inject the gas directly into the grid.
Construction of the second jetty would make Zeebrugge the first LNG terminal in the world allowing both standard LNG tankers and regasification tankers to call.
The Zeebrugge area is said to have a throughput capacity of about 48 billion m³ of natural gas per year, which is some 10% of the border capacity needed for Europe's natural gas supply.
Source: http://www.portworld.com |
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