European small-scale LNG player Molgas continues to expand its LNG bunkering business with the completion of its first operations in Belgium.
According to an emailed statement, the group’s two inaugural truck-to-ship bunkering operations took place on the same day beginning of this week, serving “diverse clients and vessel types in Zeebrugge and Antwerp”.
The Madrid-based group, owned by French private equity firm InfraVia Capital Partners, did not provide further information regarding the operations.
Prior to these operations, Molgas secured an LNG bunkering permit valid for five years for both the port of Antwerp and Zeebrugge.
Johannes Richter, the group’s head of marine, said that the new permit “enables us to support the market development via our proven multi-truck-to-ship deliveries.”
This solution allows Molgas to unload in a range of about 80-200 metric tons in a “very good operational time as well on comparison to ship-to-ship deliveries.”
This Belgian move follows the completion of the company’s first LNG bunkering operation in France.
Molgas has significantly expanded its operations in the last three years, including the industrial sector, truck filling stations, and bunkering.
Back in 2021, the group completed a deal with LNG giant Shell to buy Norway’s Gasnor, and also acquired in 2022 a controlling stake in Greece’s Blue Grid.
Most recently, the group bought a 45 percent stake in Dutch LNG supplier Titan. This deal includes further follow-on rights from Molgas.