Fluxys LNG, operator of the Zeebrugge terminal, launched a market test on Thursday to evaluate the appetite for additional capacity at the LNG terminal in Belgium.
As emission regulations for transport and industry become more stringent and European policy paves the way for greener fuels, LNG reveals itself as a low emission and economical alternative, and small-scale LNG solutions to accommodate this market are developing swiftly throughout Europe, Fluxys LNG said.
Against this backdrop, Fluxys LNG is considering to extend the Zeebrugge terminal as and when the market needs additional capacity. In this preliminary phase, Fluxys LNG conducts a market test to evaluate the appetite for small-scale LNG services such as loading small LNG bunker and feeder vessels as well as LNG trailer loading services.
Furthermore, with gas production in Europe steadily declining, additional imports of LNG will be required to ensure security and diversification of supply.
Fluxys LNG said it is also keen to hear from interested parties during this market test which services have to be developed and offered in order to optimize their participation in the LNG supply chain.
The company will hold bilateral discussions with interested parties through to the end of September.
Depending on the outcome of this market test, an open season is scheduled for Q4 2015 with a view to concluding firm long-term commitments so as to have a sound basis for taking final investment decisions, Fluxys LNG added.
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LNG World News Staff; Image: Fluxys