Floating LNG terminal docks in Germany to boost European supply security

Improved price stability and supply security is on the horizon with the arrival of floating LNG terminal Energos Force into the industrial port of Stade-Bützfleth in Germany. The near 300 metre ship, operated by Deutsche Energy Terminal GmbH (DET),  docked at the AVG jetty on March 15.

The vessel will undergo test operations before being able to feed up to 5 billion cubic metres of imported natural gas per year into the German gas network. The third of DET’s four Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRU), it will make a significant contribution to security of supply and gas price stability in Germany, and Europe.

Secure supplies for consumers

Dr Peter Röttgen, Managing Director of operator at DET, said this latest FSRU with access to the North Sea was quickly realised thanks to the “intensive cooperation of all technology partners and authorities involved”.

He continued: “Once the test run is complete, Energos Force will be able to supply the equivalent of up to five million households with gas for a year. This third DET liquefied natural gas import terminal is also an important step for many companies that, despite technical efforts, are still dependent on large quantities of natural gas for the time being.”

Technology for continued gas needs

Röttgen stressed that all industrial and commercial companies need planning security. He added: “LNG provides the needed economic stability today and is a basis for the transition to climate-neutral production…this will also affect many thousands of jobs today and in the future.”

At 294 metres long and 47 metres wide, the 2021-built Energos Force can, during winter, regasify a maximum of 500 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (MMSCFD) in a closed cycle with steam boilers.

Capacity to make a difference

During summer, regasification capacity can be raised up to 750 MMSCFD in an open cycle utilising seawater.

DET is the operator of the floating LNG terminal and manages the Energos Force in cooperation with various service providers.

The vessel is owned by Energos Infrastructure, an affiliate of Apollo Global Management, who will be responsible for regasification at the FSRU. Coordination of LNG carrier berthing, gas flows and reporting will be managed by KN Energies on behalf of DET.

DET had commissioned Hanseatic Energy Hub GmbH (HEH) to build the superstructure and HEH will continue to work on behalf of DET at the FSRU, taking over services for technical operation and maintenance in cooperation with DOW.