Germany’s LNG terminal in Wilhelmshaven welcomes 1st LNG cargo

German energy company Uniper has delivered Germany’s first full cargo of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the new LNG terminal in Wilhelmshaven. 

As disclosed, LNG ship Maria Energy, owned by major energy firm Tsakos Energy Navigation was loaded in Calcasieu Pass, USA, at the liquefaction facility of the LNG supplier Venture Global Calcasieu Pass, LLC, on 19 December.

Maria Energy was fully loaded with approx. 170,000 cubic meters LNG (97,147,000 cubic meters of natural gas) – enough to supply around 50,000 German households with energy for one year, according to the company.

The LNG cargo delivered on board Maria Energy forms part of the commissioning process at the Wilhelmshaven terminal. Commercial operations of the Wilhelmshaven terminal are expected to start in mid-January 2023.

“The successful delivery of the first full LNG cargo to the Uniper terminal in Wilhelmshaven is a testament to the strong partnership between Uniper, Venture Global, and Tsakos Energy Navigation. The use of LNG as a reliable energy source is crucial for the Security of Supply for Germany and Europe. We are committed to contribute our part by bringing more LNG to the European market and especially Germany via the Wilhelmshaven and Brunsbüttel Regas Terminals,” Niek den Hollander, Uniper CCO said.

“Venture Global is very proud to supply the first full cargo of LNG ever delivered to Germany, and we congratulate Uniper and the German government for their swift action to build the infrastructure needed to make this historic day possible,” added Venture Global CEO Mike Sabel.

The Uniper LNG terminal in Wilhelmshaven was opened on 17 December, while the construction started in July this year. Via the floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) Höegh Esperanza, about five billion cubic meters of natural gas can be landed in Germany per year.

The FSRU was commissioned through the Christmas period and is now in steady operation in Wilhelmshaven.

This FSRU is capable of sending significant volumes of natural gas into the German gas grid and will do so in the future.

“This is the first operative LNG import terminal in Germany and Höegh LNG is pleased to provide the FSRU, Hoegh Esperanza, as an important part of the infrastructure required to allow Germany to diversify its energy supply and provide energy security to Germany and the European Union,” Höegh LNG noted.

 In early 2023, two more of Hoegh LNG’s FSRU will start operating in Germany to further increase the import of liquified natural gas.