Vitol’s unit ViGo boosts LNG station network with Belgian move

Vitol’s German subsidiary, ViGo Bioenergy, has further expanded its network of LNG filling stations with the acquisition of Belgium’s Drive Systems.

ViGo said in a statement on Monday that this strategic move will establish the company as the country’s largest provider of LNG for heavy transport, with an estimated 30 percent market share of LNG volumes sold.

The company did not provide the pricing details of the acquisition.

Drive Systems currently operates five stations across Flanders, servicing key transport routes through Antwerp and the wider region—areas not previously covered by ViGo.

“The network is renowned for its strong customer relationships and high throughput, built over more than a decade by founder Philippe Desrumaux,” ViGo said.

As part of the acquisition, Desrumaux will join ViGo as head of Benelux.

All stations in the combined network will provide bio-LNG, offering ViGo customers “expanded options on critical routes and supporting their decarbonisation ambitions.”

ViGo noted that this acquisition significantly enhances ViGo’s downstream network of LNG stations across Germany, the UK, and Benelux.

Pablo Galante Escobar, head of LNG, EMEA gas and power at Vitol, said this acquisition” further demonstrates Vitol’s commitment to building a robust biogas value chain across Europe.”

“With a strong downstream presence in Germany, the UK, and Benelux, as well as upstream assets in Lithuania, Latvia, and Italy, ViGo is uniquely positioned to serve the evolving needs of the European transport sector,” he said.

In 2021, energy trader Vitol acquired a majority stake in Berlin-based LNG firm Liquind, now renamed ViGo Bioenergy.

Last year, ViGo acquired PitPoint.LNG, the Dutch joint venture between TotalEnergies and SHV Energy.

According to its website, ViGo has more than 40 stations in operation, with more planned.