• 31 Mar 2016

Russia’s Gazprom and Belgium’s Fluxys have signed a framework agreement to cooperate on developing the small-scale market of liquefied natural gas in Europe, to include construction and operation of LNG receiving terminals, LNG bunkering infrastructure and LNG filling stations. “Small-scale LNG is not just a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to conventional fuels in different fields of economy including industry and transport. It is one of key growth areas in European gas consumption. By developing this segment, Gazprom will further diversify its export potential and increase sustainable supplies of energy to Europe,” Alexander Medvedev Deputy Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee said. “Developing the required infrastructure for small-scale LNG is key to implementing the EU’s sustainable strategy for alternative fuels. It will enable small-scale LNG to further unlock its vast potential for mitigating the environmental impact of waterborne and heavy transport, as well as for powering the remote industrial sites not connected to gas trunklines,” Pascal De Buck, Fluxys Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer said. The market for small-scale LNG is growing in Belgium, and Fluxys is also open to joining forces with partners to invest in new infrastructure in order to further develop the logistics chain. Two filling stations for LNG-fuelled trucks are in use, and in 2016 bunker vessels will be able to load on LNG in Zebrugge Terminal in order to supply other ships. By 2025, maritime transport in Belgium has the potential to replace some 800,000 tonnes of heavy fuel oil with LNG on an annual basis.