Dutch Gate Ramps up LNG Imports

Dutch Gate, one of Europe’s largest LNG import terminals, saw a steep increase in use during the first nine months of 2019, the Rotterdam port authority reported on October 21.

The facility, operated by the Netherlands’ Gasunie and Vopak, took ashore 5.49mn mt of LNG in the period, compared with 3.747mn mt a year earlier. It was operating at more than 60% of its 9mn mt/yr capacity.

In a statement, the Rotterdam port attributed the growth to increased European consumption of gas from the Atlantic region. Not only has supply from this area increased this year, but suppliers are selling a greater share of their gas in Europe because of weak Asian prices.