Engie grabs Eemshaven LNG's last capacity slot
Dutch grid operator Gasunie said August 1 it had signed a 1bn m3/yr loading agreement with French energy group Engie for its forthcoming LNG import terminal in the Dutch seaport of Eemshaven.
Gasunie has now booked up Eemshaven LNG's full 8bn m3/yr capacity, with the first LNG cargo due to be received as early as mid-September. Shell's Western LNG subsidiary and Czech energy group CEZ signed a 7bn m3/yr joint agreement with the terminal's operating entity, Gasunie's EeemsEnergyTerminal, earlier this month.
Engie will use the capacity to deliver LNG from its global energy management and sales portfolio, strengthening energy diversification and channelling more LNG supplies into its European operating markets. Engie on July 29 confirmed a massive reduction in Russian gas imports, having bought 10TWh from non-Russian suppliers.
Gasunie officials say the contract round demonstrates the strength of LNG import appetite in Europe, with Eemshaven LNG's capacity sold off "in a period of just three months." Executive board member Ulco Vermeulen said: "In the coming weeks, all attention will be focused on the technical preparation of the location for the floating terminal. This too will take place at record speed.”
Eemshaven LNG joins the Netherlands' sole existing LNG terminal in the port of Rotterdam - Gate LNG - which has a nameplate capacity of up to 12bn m3/yr. The new facility will consist of two floating storage and regasification units, the Exmar S188 and Golar Igloo, each hired from their operator under five-year charter agreements.
The largest Dutch upstream gas producer - Groningen gas field - is expected to close next year. Eemshaven is situated in the same region as Groningen. In addition, Gate LNG has a further 4bn m3/yr of regas capacity that is used only intermittently. Under plans to expand the first Rotterdam LNG facility, this extra capacity could be permanently unlocked, bringing overall Dutch LNG throughput to 24bn m3/yr. The upgrade will involve building two additional truck loading bays, due to launch in the second half of 2023.