Portugal’s Sines LNG import terminal hits new milestones

According to a statement by REN, tank No. 90,000 was loaded at the Sines LNG terminal on June 27.

“This is a very significant number for an activity that began in 2004 and which, in addition to supplying mainland Portugal, also serves the island of Madeira,” the firm said.

In addition, the 900th ship operation took place at the LNG terminal on July 7, with the unloading carried out by the LNG carrier Castillo de Merida, REN said.

The 2018-built 174,000-cbm vessel delivered a shipment from Cheniere’s Sabine Pass plant in Louisiana, its AIS data shows.

“It should be noted that this number includes all types of operations, such as gasification and cooling of ships, loading and unloading, which are the overwhelming majority,” the company said.

REN’s LNG terminal received its first commissioning cargo in October 2023.

The 5.6 mtpa facility consists of three LNG storage tanks with a total capacity of 390,000 cbm.

In 2024, 98 percent of Portugal’s national gas system supply was delivered through the Sines LNG terminal, with the remaining 2 percent coming through the interconnection with Spain, according to REN.

This share has been steadily increasing since reaching 94 percent in 2023.

Last year saw 53 vessel operations, with LNG shipments primarily sourced from Nigeria and the US, accounting for 52 percent and 40 percent of national supply, respectively.

Supply through the Sines terminal contributed 93 percent of total inputs into the Portuguese gas network, setting a new record when compared to the 91 percent registered in 2022 and 2023, REN said.