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South-North Corridor GRIP 2017
In order to facilitate these transshipment services, Fluxys LNG is building a fifth
storage tank capable of holding some 180,000 cubic metres. Additional compression
capacity is being developed too. The new storage tank will primarily be used during
winter for the transshipment of LNG from LNG icebreaker vessels from the Yamal
production site to traditional LNG carriers. Preparatory works began in mid-2015
and the new storage tank is set to be commissioned early 2019, according to the
current schedule.
Small scale development
A second jetty for the loading and unloading of LNG carriers has recently been
commissioned at the Zeebrugge LNG terminal. It will be the site of the loading and
unloading of vessels both large and small carrying between 2,000 cubic metres and
217,000 cubic metres of LNG. Small bunker vessels will thus be able to load LNG
to then resupply other vessels powered by LNG or small bunker terminals. With the
construction of the second jetty and the new capacities which have already been
reserved, the Zeebrugge LNG terminal is continuing to evolve into a hub for the
small-scale use of LNG, i.e. as a fuel for shipping and long-distance haulage trucks.
In 2015, Fluxys LNG conducted a market survey for the LNG terminal to ascertain
interest in small-scale LNG services, such as the loading of small bunkering and
supply vessels, or even services loading LNG trucks. The survey recorded sufficient
interest to warrant the launch of a preliminary study to identify which infrastructure
extensions would be needed.
In October 2015, Fluxys signed an agreement with ENGIE, Mitsubishi and NYK Line
to acquire 25% in a vessel that will offer LNG bunkering services from its home port
of Zeebrugge, Belgium. This LNG bunkering vessel, with a capacity of 5,100 cubic
metres LNG and recently commissioned in South Korea, has arrived in Zeebrugge
and is now operational. Becoming a partner in the ownership of this LNG bunkering
vessel fits Fluxys’ strategy to support the development of the small-scale LNG mar-
ket.
In March 2016, Gazprom and Fluxys signed a Framework Agreement on small-scale
LNG cooperation in the European market. The agreement reflects the intention of
the parties to collaborate on joint projects in the construction and operation of LNG
receiving terminals, LNG filling stations and LNG bunkering infrastructure in Europe.
Third Jetty (PCI candidate) (LNG-N-742)
Another project through which Fluxys LNG wishes to actively contribute to the
development of LNG is the construction of a third jetty at the Zeebrugge LNG termi-
nal. This jetty will be used by small LNG vessels (capacity of approximately 2,000
cubic metres to 30,000 cubic metres), which should encourage the development of
smaller scale LNG activities, such as the bunkering of commercial vessels. The
project still needs to undergo a market consultation, but feasibility studies are
currently being conducted for a range of technical solutions.