EMEA News
Approval for New European LNG Bunkering Terminal
A new liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal has been approved for construction in the eastern port of Muuga Harbour, Estonia, local media reports.
The small scale receiving and distribution terminal, which in its first phase will have up to 4,000 cubic metres of container fleet capacity, was approved by Estonian state-owned port operator AS Tallinna Sadam Council (Port of Tallinn) and is scheduled for completion in early 2017.
A partner of Tallinna Sadam will reportedly cover the estimated $20 million EUR ($22 million) construction cost, and Tallinna Sadam council chairman Remo Holsmer said the building timeline depends "on the cooperation with the local government processing the project."
The all-year ice-free Muuga port is regarded as an ideal location for LNG bunkering in Estonia, and Holsmer pointed out the new terminal will "considerably improve the position of Estonia in the Baltic Sea, because there are just a few ports in the Baltic Sea that have LNG bunkering possibilities."
Port of Tallinn is also considering subsequent upgrades to the terminal that would include an expansion in the container fleet, and LNG re-gasification destined for natural gas grids.
Last year Tallinn and another Baltic port, Stockholm, signed an agreement to work together to promote LNG bunkering at both ports.
