New LNG terminal planned for Ukraine

Planned for 2020–2025, the project is envisioned to be a public-private partnership. The Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA) said among the benefits of the project for a private investor is the possibility of obtaining international and European grants, participation in international programmes for the construction of LNG terminals to reduce environmental impact, as well as the inclusion of the Danube ports of Ukraine in the European Transport Network (TEN-T).

Reni’s special economic zone location and the proximity of the Odessa-Bucharest international route, along with the possibility of efficient use of existing assets and related infrastructure, makes the LNG terminal project attractive, said USPA.

Priority for Europe

It added that building an LNG terminal is a priority due to the necessity of providing facilities for the bunkering of vessels with LNG in Ukrainian seaports. By 2025, sufficient LNG terminals must be installed in European ports in accordance with the EU’s alternative fuels infrastructure directive.

It is expected that implementation of the project will help increase the number of vessels using the port and, consequently, to increase revenues from port fees and other services for USPA, as well as state revenues.

Additionally, the project could have a significant positive impact on the economic, social and environmental situation in the region by creating new jobs, modernizing the infrastructure and reducing harmful emissions on Ukraine’s inland waterways, on the Danube in particular.