Dutch Gate terminal in the Rotterdam port, one of Europe’s main LNG hubs, has expanded its sendout capacity and decided to add two more truck loading stations to cater to the increasing demand in northwest Europe.
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.
Gate is the first and currently the only Dutch LNG import facility, but Gasunie’s Eemshaven LNG hub should also go online later this year.
Gate and other terminals in Europe have seen a significant increase in deliveries this year due to a lack of gas supply and high gas prices, and as European countries look to slash reliance on Russian pipeline gas.
Besides ship deliveries, LNG truck loading operations at Gate continue to rise following record 8501 trucks last year.
Due to the high demand for such service, Gate shareholders Vopak and Gasunie have earlier this year approved funds to start the detailed engineering for truck loading bays 4 and 5.
“Gate terminal has now decided to go for a more structural solution by building two additional truck loading bays which are expected to become operational in second half of 2023,” it said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Sendout boost, fourth tank
Following modifications, investments and successful tests, Gate said in the statement that now it has an annual capacity of 12 bcm on a firm basis and 4 bcm on an interruptible basis.
Gate said it would continue offering its expanded sendout capability also through the winter.
In addition, Gate has started working on permit application, regulatory conditions and technical feasibility with the aim of launching an open season on tentatively August 15 to increase the firm annual capacity by 4 bcm.
Such an expansion would also include a fourth LNG tank.
“Subject to smooth cooperation of all stakeholders such capacity could become continuously available between October 1, 2025 and October 1, 2026,” Gate added.