Dutch Gate LNG terminal in the port of Rotterdam, owned by Gasunie and Vopak, has kicked off production of bio-LNG.
This morning the first liquefied biomethane or bio-LNG was produced at Gate’s liquefier, Gate’s commercial manager, Stefaan Adriaens, told LNG Prime on Tuesday.
The liquefier has a capacity of about 100,000 tons per year, he said.
Typically sustainable biomass is the source for biogas, which is then upgraded to biomethane and delivered to Gate via the gas grid.
Once produced, bio-LNG will be loaded onto trucks and ships for use in bunkering and other applications.
Adriaens said the whole process is in accordance with the EU Renewable Energy Directive and certified by ISCC EU to trace the attributes of bio-LNG and safeguard against double-claims.
Back in 2021, Gate secured certification which allows its customers to import certified bio-LNG and distribute it towards shipping or trucks.
Adriaens announced at the time that Gate plans to produce bio-LNG by using its existing liquefaction unit.
Launched in September 2011, the terminal has a nameplate capacity of 12 bcm or 8.8 mtpa of LNG, three LNG storage tanks with a capacity of 540,000 cbm, three truck loading bays, as well as three jetties, including one small-scale jetty.
Following modifications, Gate managed to add 4 bcm of capacity on an interruptible basis, available to users already having a position in Gate.
Gate’s current users include Shell, Uniper, OMV, and Glencore. Last year, BP and PetroChina booked capacity at Gate as part of the expansion project, while ConocoPhillips secured capacity from September 2031.
Gasunie and Vopak took a final investment decision in August 2023 to build the fourth LNG tank with a capacity of 180,000 cbm and to add 4 bcm of additional regasification capacity.
Due to high demand for LNG as fuel for vessels, Gate also plans to build a second small-scale jetty.
The new jetty would be located across the existing small-scale jetty.