BERLIN/SELLIN (dpa-AFX) - In the face of major opposition, German Economy Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) is backing away from the controversial liquefied natural gas terminal off the coast of Rügen near Sellin. According to information from the Deutsche Presse-Agentur, the Economics Ministry is examining the Port of Mukran site as an alternative to Sellin and prefers Mukran according to the current state of the tests. A decision is to be made in the near future.

Despite protests from the population and rejection by the state government, initial work on the construction of a terminal with two berths for special ships for landing liquefied natural gas (LNG) had started off Sellin over the weekend.

So far, the construction of two offshore platforms is planned, at which special ships for the landing of LNG are to moor. It would be the second terminal in Western Pomerania after the one officially launched in Lubmin in mid-January. There is fierce opposition to the plans off the island of Rügen from the communities and the population./hoe/DP/mis