The 'Hoegh Esperanza' Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) is anchored during the opening of the LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) terminal in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, December 17, 2022. Michael Sohn/Pool via REUTERS
By Petra Sorge
(Bloomberg) –A planned liquefied natural gas terminal at Germany’s Baltic coast risks not starting in time for winter, with local opposition to the project prompting a government warning about the fragile state of the country’s energy security.
German Economy Minister Robert Habeck cautioned there could be severe consequences if a second LNG terminal near the island of Rügen doesn’t begin operations this winter as planned, pushing local authorities to move ahead with its construction.
“Gas supplies must be planned in such a way that deliveries are secured even in the event of particularly cold weather or supply bottlenecks via pipelines,” said Habeck, who is also the country’s Vice Chancellor, in a letter seen by Bloomberg and addressed to the local state government.
“Otherwise, there is a risk of incalculable price increases, supply bottlenecks and severe economic damage, which would hit eastern Germany in particular,” he said.
Related Article: Germany Secures Gas Supply Via Floating LNG Units
Germany launched three LNG terminals to stave off last year’s energy crisis, and is aiming to open two more for the coming winter. The state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania — which has been critical of the Baltic project — commissioned lawyers who argued that it doesn’t fall under legislation to fast-track permits, according to Habeck’s letter. The lawyers also called for an environmental impact assessment, which would delay the terminal’s opening.
A spokesperson for the state’s economy ministry couldn’t immediately be reached for comment.
Habeck urged the state to ensure that the necessary approval procedures are carried out “with the efficiency required by the crisis.” A local municipality on Friday also said it had filed a complaint to the Federal Administrative Court to halt construction of an undersea pipeline for the terminal.
German gas storage operators have argued that additional LNG capacity is urgently needed to ensure energy security and smooth out potential strains from cold weather.
© 2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.
Join the 110,142 members that receive our newsletter.
Have a news tip? Let us know.
Container shipping companies like Maersk, CMA CGM and COSCO have ordered hundreds of new vessels in recent years meant to help their industry slash greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to meet rising demand from customers and regulators around the globe.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued a 180-day ban on the Netherlands-flagged general cargo ship Marsgracht, prohibiting its entry into Australian ports. The action comes in response to recurring...
The UK’s sanctions enforcement agency said it has identified cases where falsified documents are being used to evade a Group of Seven price cap on Russian oil exports.
Access exclusive insights, engage in vibrant discussions, and gain perspectives from our CEO.
Sign Up
Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 110,142 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up
Join The Club
