Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Tanker Arrives at Rügen Terminal, Raising Concerns
First LNG Delivery of the Year
The "Maran Gas Kimolos," a tanker carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG), has reached the Rügen LNG Terminal on Germany’s Baltic coast. According to online vessel tracking services, the tanker arrived on Thursday morning and has docked at the regasification vessel "Neptune." This marks the first LNG delivery to the terminal in 2023.
Underutilized Terminal Faces Challenges
The Rügen LNG Terminal became operational in September 2022, but has so far received significantly fewer shipments than originally approved. Instead of the 110 LNG deliveries per year that were requested, the number of arrivals in 2024 is expected to be in the single digits.
Recently, the terminal’s operator, Deutsche Regas, terminated its charter agreement for one of the two terminal vessels with the German Ministry of Economic Affairs. The company cited the pricing policy of state-owned competitor Deutsche Energy Terminal (DET), which also imports LNG at its terminals, as a reason for the decision, calling it "ruinous." DET, based in Düsseldorf, has maintained that it adheres to regulatory requirements. The corresponding terminal vessel, the "Energos Power," has left the port and was recently anchored off the coast of Rügen, according to vessel tracking services.
Environmental Concerns and Public Meeting
On Friday afternoon, a meeting is scheduled in Sassnitz, Rügen, involving Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania’s Environment Minister Till Backhaus (SPD) and local critics of the terminal. Discussions are expected to focus on the ongoing amendment approval process and the issue of noise pollution.
Contrary to original plans and permits, the terminal currently operates without a shore power connection, relying instead on onboard generators. These generators produce noise and emit pollutants. According to recent official statements, no significant limit value violations have been detected so far. However, the amendment approval process has prescribed operating restrictions and technical improvements.
Energy Security and Environmental Protection
The Rügen LNG Terminal is part of Germany’s efforts to diversify its energy supply and reduce its dependence on Russian gas. However, it has also drawn criticism from environmentalists who argue that the use of LNG, a fossil fuel, is not sustainable and contributes to climate change.
The terminal’s underutilization and operational challenges raise questions about its long-term viability. The German government and the terminal’s operator face a balancing act between ensuring energy security and addressing environmental concerns. The ongoing amendment approval process and the public meeting in Sassnitz provide opportunities for stakeholder dialogue and further scrutiny of the terminal’s operations.
