The new LNG for transport infrastructure, called a “break bulk” terminal, includes the construction of a new jetty. The new jetty will increase availability of LNG as a transport fuel for vessels in northwest Europe.

Maarten Wetselaar, Shell’s executive vice president, integrated gas, said: ‘We are pleased to have reached this agreement. The collaboration between Gasunie, Vopak, the port of Rotterdam, and Shell will provide security of supply of LNG for marine and road transport customers in northwest Europe, through dedicated and scalable infrastructure. LNG is a viable option for fuelling cleaner and more sustainable transport. We believe LNG will form a bigger part of the transport fuel mix in the future, and this project demonstrates our confidence in LNG as a fuel option.’

The new, dedicated break bulk terminal is expected to be operational in Q4 2016. It will be positioned alongside the central Gate terminal, where LNG currently arrives via large carriers from around the world.

When operational, the new break bulk terminal will receive gas in its liquid form from the central terminal by pipeline, and break it down into smaller quantities for distribution. Previously, all the LNG arriving in to the port was regasified for the power and industrial sector, and also re- exported.

The fuel will be distributed using the existing truck-loading station at the Gate terminal to an initial Shell network of up to seven LNG truck refuelling stations in the Netherlands. The first of these Shell truck refuelling stations is planned to open later this year in the Rotterdam area.