Gate Terminal, a pivotal player in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector, has launched a non-binding call for expression of interest to gauge market demand for small-scale ship loading services at its upcoming jetty, Jetty 4. This strategic move aims to assess interest in the provision of loading services for LNG, Bio-LNG, and synthetic LNG.
The process, which commenced on March 11th, invites stakeholders to submit their expressions of interest by April 12th, 2024, Participants can request comprehensive information packages to aid in their decision-making process.
Gate Terminal’s decision to proceed with detailed engineering and permit requests for Jetty 4 will be heavily influenced by the feedback received during this consultation period. Interested parties are encouraged to provide their estimates of required jetty capacity and contract duration.
Currently, Gate Terminal operates small-scale ship loading services primarily for the marine bunkering market at Jetty 3. Given the high occupancy rate at Jetty 3 and the optimistic forecast for the LNG bunkering market in Northwest Europe, the addition of Jetty 4 is deemed necessary to accommodate the sector’s growth.
Jetty 4 represents a significant step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the marine sector by facilitating the use of cleaner fuels such as LNG, Bio-LNG, and synthetic LNG. Additionally, the project encompasses plans to provide shore power, further mitigating emissions during vessel stays at the jetty.
Situated on Maasvlakte in Rotterdam, Gate Terminal serves as the Netherlands’ sole LNG import terminal, managing the supply and throughput of LNG for Northwest Europe. LNG shipments arrive from various regions, including the Middle East, Norway, and Africa, before undergoing reloading or conversion processes for distribution within Europe.
Gate Terminal and the Port of Rotterdam play pivotal roles in promoting LNG as a cleaner fuel for both maritime and road transportation. LNG’s attributes, including reduced noise pollution and minimal emissions of particulates and sulfur oxides, position it as a promising alternative to traditional fuels like diesel and heavy fuel oil.
Gate Terminal operates as a crucial link in the LNG supply chain, offering services such as LNG loading onto vessels, containers, and trucks. Furthermore, the terminal engages in the gasification and pressurization of LNG for integration into the Dutch gas transport network, fulfilling key functions of a liquefied natural gas storage and transshipment facility.
The terminal’s infrastructure, including three storage tanks and three jetties, supports its operational capacity of 12 billion cubic meters per year. Since its inception in September 2011, Gate Terminal has been instrumental in facilitating LNG distribution across Europe.
Strategically located on a newly reclaimed 35-hectare site south of Maasvlakte in Rotterdam, Gate Terminal boasts easy access to LNG carriers and auxiliary facilities. Its proximity to the North Sea coast and the Northwest European gas market enhances operational efficiency, fostering synergy with nearby industrial complexes and facilitating resource utilization, such as residual heat from adjacent power stations.
Gate Terminal’s commitment to sustainable energy practices, combined with its state-of-the-art infrastructure and strategic location, underscores its pivotal role in shaping the future of LNG distribution in Europe.
Source Gate Terminal