LNG bunkering volumes in the Dutch port of Rotterdam reached a record level in the first quarter of this year, as the global fleet of LNG-powered vessels continues to increase.
Europe’s largest bunkering port reported LNG volumes of 215,247 cubic meters in the first quarter of this year, a rise of 150 percent compared to 86,088 cbm in the first quarter last year and a rise of 44.5 percent compared to 148,933 cbm in the previous quarter.
The port’s data shows that the January-March LNG bunkering volumes were the highest ever quarterly volumes.
Also, the port’s quarterly LNG bunkering volumes were over 200,000 cbm only in the third quarter last year (204,418 cbm) and in the third quarter of 2021 (212,719 cbm), the data shows.
In 2023, LNG bunkering volumes reached a record level as prices dropped from 2022 and demand continued to increase.
LNG bunkering volumes stood at 619,243 cubic meters in 2023, a rise of 53 percent compared to 406,599 cbm in 2022 when volumes dropped considerably due to high prices.
Besides lower prices, the global LNG-powered fleet continues to increase.
DNV’s latest data shows that there are now 520 LNG-powered ships in operation and 514 LNG-fueled vessels on order.
These statistics do not include smaller inland vessels or dual-fuel LNG carriers.
Gate’s small-scale jetty handled 57 vessels in Q1
The Rotterdam port is home to Gasunie’s and Vopak’s Gate LNG import terminal.
The LNG terminal currently has two large LNG jetties and one dedicated small-scale jetty.
Gate’s small-scale jetty, which launched operations in 2016, handled record 151 vessels, loading close to 900,000 cbm of LNG last year.
During the first quarter of this year, 106 vessels called at Gate for unloading and loading.
“Our dedicated small-scale jetty saw a high level of activity in the first quarter: 57 vessels picked up LNG for further distribution,” Gate’s commercial manager, Stefaan Adriaens, told LNG Prime on Tuesday.
Due to strong demand, Gate is also planning to build a second dedicated small-scale jetty.
Last month, Gate issued a non-binding call for expression of interest in small-scale LNG ship loading services at the planned fourth jetty.
The new jetty would be located across the existing small-scale jetty.
“This bodes well for our dedicated small jetty 4 project, which saw an encouraging level of interest by reputable companies,” Adriaens said.
“We are discussing with our shareholders on next steps,” he added.