Rotterdam LNG break bulk construction begins

Break bulk services aim to split up large scale LNG shipments into smaller parcels to enable the distribution and use of LNG. This new facility, which will have a capacity of 280 berthing slots per year, is expected to boost the use of LNG as a cleaner and affordable transportation fuel in the Netherlands and northwest Europe.

“We are striving to make logistics more sustainable and promote the transition from fuel oil to LNG as fuel for shipping,” said Allard Castelein, CEO, Port of Rotterdam Authority. “Furthermore, we want to strengthen our position as the most important European LNG hub.”

The port has begun with the excavation of a new harbour basin and quay wall next to Gate terminal, which is planned for completion at the end of this year. Gate will build the LNG installations including berthing and loading facilities for bunker vessels and smaller tankers, enabling bunkering operations at the port.

Gate terminal has enabled LNG imports to Europe since 2011 and continues to provide access to the European gas supply around the world. At the terminal, LNG is received, stored, reloaded or regasified for the northwest European gas grid.

Shell is the ‘launching customer’ for the new facility and has committed to buy capacity from Gate terminal. The company recently ordered a specialised LNG bunker vessel to supply northwest Europe that will be based at the Port of Rotterdam and will load from the new LNG break bulk infrastructure.

Commissioning and first loading operations at the new facility are expected towards to end of the first half of 2016.