FLUXYS BELGIUM D : Zeebrugge LNG terminal again sees small-scale LNG activity boosted

The boost in small-scale LNG activity at the Zeebrugge LNG terminal arises from an agreement recently concluded between energy supplier Skangass and integrated energy company Eni, one of the long-term capacity holders at the facility. In parallel, Eni concluded an agreement with Fluxys LNG on booking additional loading slots at the terminal.

The agreement showcases the attractiveness of the Zeebrugge LNG terminal as a hub for small-scale LNG in northwest Europe. It also confirms the rising appetite to accommodate the upcoming market for LNG as fuel for ships, trucks and industry.

The small-scale LNG market is a particularly promising market because LNG is the alternative fuel of choice in shipping and freight transport. As it goes, switching from diesel or heavy fuel oil to LNG immediately lowers carbon emissions and reduces practically to zero harmful emissions such as particulate matter.

Fluxys Belgium's subsidiary Fluxys LNG has been developing the Zeebrugge LNG terminal into a hub for small-scale LNG since 2010 with the launch of LNG truck loadings. Throughout Europe these trucks supply LNG to LNG-fuelled ships, LNG filling stations for trucks and industrial sites in areas without connection to a natural gas network. 2014 will see the number of LNG truck loadings at the terminal more than double year-on-year to about 1900 and demand remains strong for the years to come.

In addition, a second jetty is under construction at the terminal and it has been specially designed to also accommodate small LNG bunker vessels, i.e. small LNG ships that load LNG and supply it to LNG-fuelled ships or deliver it to small LNG bunker terminals in other ports. The second jetty will be commissioned in the autumn of 2015.