Dutch Gate terminal in the Rotterdam port, one of Europe’s main LNG hubs, has launched a non-binding open season to gauge market interest in an additional 4 Bcm per year of regasification capacity.
Launched in September 2011 and owned by Gasunie and Vopak, Gate has a capacity of 12 bcm or 8.8 mtpa of LNG, three LNG storage tanks with a capacity of 540,000 cbm, and three truck loading bays.
Following modifications, investments, and successful tests, Gate managed to add 4 bcm of capacity on an interruptible basis, it said in July.
Now Gate is inviting market participants to formulate a non-binding expression of interest (EOI) for the additional capacity boosting the total to 20 Bcm per year.
“The EOI should at least mention the required capacity (maximum 4 Bcm per year), required duration (at least 10 years), and required start-up date (between April 1, 2026 and April 1, 2028),” according to a statement by Gate.
Also, the EOI should mention “the required ultimate date by which the condition precedent of an investment decision should be lifted (indicatively September 1, 2023 dependent a.o. on obtaining an exemption from regulations on tariffs and access conditions),” Gate said.
Interested parties should submit the document before Friday, October 14.
Participating in this non-binding phase is a requirement to participate in the binding phase.
Gate said it plans to conduct the binding phase from November 14 until December 16, 2022.
Dutch LNG imports to jump
European countries are fast-tracking LNG imports as part of plans to slash reliance on Russian gas and diversify supply sources.
In order to cater to the increasing demand, Gasunie and Vopak have already decided to expand the Gate facility with two more truck loading bays to boost the total to five.
Gate’s owners also aim to add the fourth LNG storage tank as part of the expansion plans.
Gate is the first Dutch LNG import terminal but Gasunie will soon launch its FSRU-based LNG import hub in Eemshaven.
With the Gate expansion and the Eemshaven project, Dutch capacity will double from current 12 bcm to 24 bcm.