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The Zeebrugge LNG import terminal currently has two truck bays with a capacity of about 8,000 slots per year.
However, Fluxys decided in 2021 to build four additional bays due to the sharp increase in demand for LNG as fuel for trucks.
The company said in a statement on Wednesday that the new bays are currently under commissioning tests.
Fluxy said the bays will be gradually made available from January 1, 2025
“These fully automated loading bays aim to meet the rising demand for truck loading services and will allow our clients to benefit from unassisted services, marking a significant step towards enhanced operational efficiency” the company said.
6,000 slots offered
In a first step, the current capacity will be increased to 14,000 slots in 2025 considering the transition from assisted to unassisted services and the training of the drivers, according to Fluxys.
After that, Fluxys aims to offer 20,000 slots “as soon as operationally possible.”
Following the 8,000 slots already allocated to the market, Fluxys LNG launched a new subscription window for 6,000 additional slots in 2025.
This subscription window will take place from October 30 to November 13, 2024.
Fluxys said that further details and subscription-related information will be published “soon.”
Regas capacity boost
In August, Fluxys LNG received the 3000th cargo of LNG at its import facility in the port of Zeebrugge.
In operation since 1987, the Zeebrugge LNG terminal mostly receives shipments from Qatar, USA, and Russia.
Due to high demand for LNG, Fluxys is expanding the facility, and it has already increased the terminal’s capacity by adding three new open rack vaporizers.
The capacity has been increased since January 1 this year to 11.3 mtpa (15 bcma).
A Fluxys spokesperson recently told LNG Prime that the additional sendout capacity of 1.3 mtpa / 2 bcma is scheduled to be available on January 1, 2026.
It is worth mentioning here that US energy giant ConocoPhillips recently signed a deal with Fluxys to book long-term capacity at the Zeebrugge LNG terminal.
The capacity booking at the terminal will allow ConocoPhillips to import and regasify 0.75 mtpa of LNG for delivery in Belgium and also throughout Europe starting in April 2027.
This deal came after Fluxys in June offered long-term capacity for 2027-2044.