- The "Deutsche Ostsee" LNG terminal commences routine operation
The "German Baltic Sea" LNG Terminal on Rügen Island is now operational. As reported by German Regas, the facility commenced its regular operations. Last week, from Wednesday to Friday, the LNG carrier "Hellas Diana" discharged Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) at the terminal. This was a first in the global arena, as LNG was simultaneously loaded onto two linked regasification vessels simultaneously.
The 300-meter-long tanker had sailed from Freeport, Texas, as per Marine Traffic's data tracking system. On Rügen Island, LNG can be unloaded via the floating storage and regasification units (FSRU) "Energos Power" and "Neptune".
Ingo Wagner, the managing partner of German Regas, acknowledged this as a significant achievement following months of meticulous planning. "The initiation of regular operations underlines the pivotal role of the 'German Baltic Sea' energy terminal in safeguarding Germany, Austria, and Eastern Europe's energy supply," stated Wagner.
Post-conversion, the LNG supplies can be channeled into Germany's distribution network via a natural gas pipeline connection to Lubmin. German Regas estimates the capacity to be around 13.5 billion cubic meters of gas annually, which corresponds to approximately 15% of the current annual German consumption.
The federal government included the terminal construction on Rügen's predominantly tourist-oriented east coast as part of the LNG Speed-up Act, aimed at fortifying Germany's gas supplies further. However, skepticism is mounting as to whether a gas scarcity, the primary rationale for constructing specialized gas terminal facilities for LNG carriers, is an imminent threat. German Environmental Aid (DUH) is one of the project's fiercest critics, labeling it a "costly and unwarranted investment debacle".
The facility's regular operation continues to ensure a stable energy supply for Germany, Austria, and Eastern Europe. Following the successful unloading of LNG from the "Hellas Diana", the terminal is now conducting regular operations as per schedule.
