Dutch gas company Gasunie has signed deals to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to energy giants Shell and Čez through the port of Eemshaven in the Netherlands.
Under the deals, Gasunie will supply seven billion cubic metres (bcm) of LNG annually to Čez and Shell Western LNG.
Gasunie subsidiary EemsEnergyTerminal plans to sell the remaining 1bcm of LNG capacity in the coming months.
Anticipated to be operational for five years, the new terminal will comprise two floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs), which have a combined throughput capacity of approximately 8bcm per year. The two FSRUs include the Exmar S188 and the Golar Igloo.
It will be equipped to convert LNG back into its gaseous form and will also have the capacity to store LNG. The processed LNG will be transferred into the national gas grid.
Gasunie said that the terminal is planned to be commissioned as early as autumn 2022 and will contribute to the country’s efforts to reduce reliance on Russian gas.
The terminal is expected to help in doubling the total LNG import capacity for the Netherlands, which also operates a large LNG facility in the port of Rotterdam.
Dutch Minister for Climate and Energy Policy Rob Jetten said: “That is an important part of our approach to becoming less dependent on Russian gas as soon as possible, but also to preparing for the coming winter. I am pleased that there is considerable market interest in making use of this infrastructure and importing more liquid gas.”
In March 2022, Jetten announced that the government and Gasunie are assessing ways to boost the short-term LNG import capacity for the country to reduce its dependence on Russian gas.
