Exmar’s small FSRU S188 has left Singapore onboard a heavy transport vessel owned by Boskalis and is en route to the Netherlands.
The Belgian shipping firm revealed this in a social media post on Wednesday but it did not provide any additional information.
According to images posted by Exmar, semi-submersible transport vessel Trustee is carrying the unit. It has the Dockwise logo but Boskalis acquired this firm back in 2013.
The transport vessel’s AIS data shows that it should arrive in Rotterdam next month.
To remind, Dutch gas grid operator Gasunie said last month that it had expected the barge-based 26,000-cbm FSRU to arrive at its planned terminal in Eemshaven in early August.
Exmar and Gasunie signed a five-year charter deal for the 120 meters long FSRU in March. The FSRU has a capacity of 600 mmscfd.
Gasunie will use this FSRU as a floating LNG import terminal at the Eemshaven port, operated by Groningen Seaports.
This would be the country’s second LNG import facility, besides the Gate terminal in Rotterdam, where Gasunie is also a shareholder along Vopak.
In addition to this unit, Gasunie also signed a charter deal for a larger FSRU with US LNG player New Fortress Energy.
This FSRU would also arrive in Eemshaven in August this year, such as the first unit.
Exmar and NFE did not name the vessel but it is probably the 174,000-cbm Golar Igloo.
With a planed expansion at Gate and the Eemshaven project, Dutch capacity would double from current 12 bcm to 24 bcm, as the Netherlands looks to slash reliance on Russian gas.