LNG facility on Rügen set to commence routine operations
Along the Baltic Sea shore of Rügen's island, the LNG vessel "Hellas Diana" marked a significant moment by consistently discharging liquefied natural gas (LNG) for the first time. This event signified the commencement of activities for one of Germany's most contentious energy transition initiatives.
The "Deutsche Ostsee" LNG terminal based on Rügen's island officially started its regular work, as confirmed by operator Deutsche Regas. Initially, there were numerous setbacks. From last Wednesday to Friday, the LNG tanker "Hellas Diana" unloaded LNG at this terminal. In an unprecedented move, LNG was simultaneously loaded onto two connected regasification ships.
The 300-meter-long tanker reportedly sailed from Freeport in Texas, United States, based on data obtained from the Marine Traffic tracking system. LNG is offloaded on Rügen's island through the regasification ships (FSRU - Floating Storage and Regasification Unit) named "Energos Power" and "Neptune".
Ingo Wagner, Deutsche Regas' managing partner, considered this as a pivotal moment upon culminating months of thorough preparation. "The start of regular operations emphasizes the critical role of the 'Deutsche Ostsee' energy terminal in ensuring Germany, Austria, and Eastern Europe's gas supply security," stated Wagner.
Multiple unsuccessful pleas
Subsequent to transformation into gas, the LNG can be channeled into Germany's distribution network via a natural gas pipeline line connecting Lubmin. Deutsche Regas estimates the total capacity at 13.5 billion cubic meters of gas annually, equating to approximately 15% of present German annual consumption.
The federal government integrated the terminal's construction on Rügen's heavily tourism-oriented east coast into the LNG Acceleration Act to reinforce Germany's gas supply. However, apprehensions are swelling that a gas shortage, the fundamental justification behind constructing unique terminals for gas tankers, may not materialize soon. The German Environmental Aid (DUH) is among the project's staunchest critics, labeling it as a "costly and unnecessary investment disaster."
The town of Binz has repeatedly warned of severe damages to tourism, nature, and climate. It contends that the terminal is no longer necessary for winter energy supply security in Germany.
In April, the Federal Administrative Court declined the objections of two environmental organizations against the gas pipeline connecting Mukran to Lubmin. Emergency appeals submissions by the German Youth Hostel Association, the town of Binz, and two private property possessors against the terminal's operationalso failed in June.
The successful operation of the "Deutsche Ostsee" LNG terminal on Rügen's island has significant implications for Germany's economy, as the terminal is expected to provide approximately 15% of the country's annual natural gas consumption. Despite initial objections and setbacks, the terminal is now operational and regularly receiving LNG from tankers like the "Hellas Diana".
The commencement of regular operations at the "Deutsche Ostsee" LNG terminal is expected to boost Germany's energy security and contribute to the country's economy, as LNG can be channelled into the distribution network and supplement Germany's gas supply.
