The Dutch port of Rotterdam reported a significant drop in its LNG bunkering volumes in 2022 as high prices affected demand for the fuel.
Europe’s largest bunkering port said LNG volumes reached 328,029 cubic meters in the January-December period, a drop of about 45.6 percent compared to record 603,690 cbm in 2021.
Including fuel oil and gas oil, maritime shipping bunkered more fuel in Rotterdam, or 10.8 million tonnes compared to 10.2 million tonnes in 2021.
As per the fourth-quarter figures, LNG bunkering volumes dipped to just 34,412 cbm, according to data by the port.
This compares to 118,376 cubic meters in the July-September period and 94,454 cbm in the same quarter in 2021, the data shows.
The port’s LNG bunkering volumes reached record high in 2021, but prices rose significantly during 2022, affecting bunkering demand.
On the other hand, LNG throughput in the port rose 73.8 percent in the January-September period of the last year.
Dutch Gate LNG terminal in the Rotterdam port received a record number of LNG cargoes last year on the back of high demand and a surge in US deliveries.
Gate unloaded a total of 183 LNG cargoes, mainly from large LNG carriers, while the facility loaded 84 cargoes, mainly to small vessels.