Dutch LNG Filling Station Operator Makes Belgian Foray

Dutch LNG filling station operator Rolande has opened its first fuelling site in Belgium, in partnership with local firm G&V Energy Group, it said on August 31.

The station in Antwerp was built as part of the BioLNG4EU project, 50% co-financed by the EU's Connecting Europe Facility, which aims to develop the bloc's road transport market for LNG and bio-LNG.

As part of this initiative, Rolande said it was investing in bio-LNG production and is opening four stations in the Netherlands and Belgium that will serve bio-LNG. The Antwerp station is the first of these to start operations. LNG is not only environmentally friendlier than conventional motor fuels but can also be more profitable, according to Rolande.

"Due to the fact that we control the entire chain, offer European coverage and keep developing continuously, we truly help our customers moving forward in the areas of sustainability and profitability," its CEO Jolon van der Schuit said.

In July Rolande also opened its first LNG filling station in Germany. The company wants to take advantage of G&V's strategic locations in Belgium, with plans to establish more stations in Habay and Waregem. G&V is the largest independent filling chain operator in Belgium, with over 200 stations.

(picture courtesy of Rolande)