Fluxys, an independent operator of the natural gas transmission system in Belgium, has published half-yearly information. Included are positive statements about two of the company’s key operations: small-scale LNG and natural gas as a fuel for transport.
Small-scale LNG
Small-scale LNG remains successful. In addition to terminalling large LNG volumes, the Zeebrugge LNG Terminal is diversifying its offer with a view to capitalising on the new market for small-scale LNG.
The number of loading operations involving small LNG vessels increased slightly. A new element consisted of loading operations for the bunker vessel Engie Zeebrugge in which parent company Fluxys is a partner and whose home port is Zeebrugge.
The number of LNG tanker-truck loading operations continued on the same level, despite the launch of similar services at other terminals in North-Western Europe. With a view to making sure it can keep responding to demand in future, a second loading station will be built at the terminal in 2018. The project is receiving financial support from the European Commission.
Transportation Fuel
Natural gas as a transport fuel continues to rise. The commissioning of the second jetty at the Zeebrugge LNG Terminal in late 2016 marked a milestone in the further development of natural gas as a marine fuel. Small vessels such as the LNG bunker ship Engie Zeebrugge, can now also berth at the terminal to load LNG and supply LNG-powered ships. In the first few months of 2017 two LNG-powered ships were commissioned in Zeebrugge that are supplied from the LNG terminal with the bunkering vessel.
In road transport, too, natural gas as an alternative fuel continues to trend in a positive direction. Various initiatives taken by Fluxys Belgium, Gas.be (formerly the Royal Association of Belgian Gas Companies), distribution system operators, filling-station operators, automotive manufacturers and the public authorities are paying off: the number of registered natural gas-powered vehicles in the first half rose from 4,500 to 7,100 and the number of filling stations will, according to the current schedule, reach the 100-mark by the end of this year.
Source: Fluxys Belgium – a member of NGVA Europe
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