European LNG Operators Services: Update

The industry group representing LNG import terminal operators in Europe has updated the lists of services available at each of the facilities for third party business. The members account for nearly all of the terminals in Europe. They do not all operate on the same terms, and no prices are shown on the list for comparison purposes.

Gas Infrastructure Europe said May 24 that the LNG New Services Inventory focuses especially on a new growth area: small scale LNG. A short summary of the five new services is explained below:

• Reloading: Transfer of LNG from the LNG reservoirs of the terminal into a vessel (large and small scale)
• Transshipment: Direct transfer of LNG from one vessel into another (berth to berth or ship to ship)
• Small scale ship loading: LNG is loaded on ships with a maximum capacity up to 30,000 m³ LNG
• Truck loading: LNG is loaded on tank trucks which transport LNG in smaller quantities
• Rail loading: LNG is loaded on rail tanks which transport LNG in smaller quantities.

It said most of these services are already being provided at various terminals around Europe, or are under development, with the exception of rail loading, which is not offered yet in Europe but could be a future option. The LNG New Services Inventory shows the minimum ship size, the hourly capacity and use of these services in the past. The data are presented per terminal, and updated no less than annually.

William Powell