Operations and major projects

Gaz-Opale, operator of the Dunkirk LNG terminal

07/07/17

Gaz-Opale has been operating the LNG terminal since 1 March 2017, date of the official transfer. Since then, 58 Gaz-Opale employees have been working hard to meet the requirements of both customers and the Dunkerque LNG operating licence.

Prior to this transfer, Gaz-Opale staff members were involved in the facility’s commissioning and start-up phases. They were active in the commissioning of the facilities, the preparation of docking operations, tanker unloading, LNG loading and the management of LNG storage in tanks and the transmission of natural gas into the GRT-gaz network.
Before the takeover of the terminal by Gaz-Opale, a "fit for purpose" process was implemented, in order to check that the condition of the terminal's delivered facilities enabled them to be operated safely and in compliance with the level of service to be provided to customers. The "fit for purpose" certificate was signed on 28 February 2017 and operations by Dunkerque LNG and Gaz-Opale began on 1 March.

Fully staffed since December 2014, the Gaz-Opale teams have taken the time to undergo training, in order to be fully operational during commissioning. Commissioning was eagerly awaited by all divisions: Support and Assistance, Operations, QHSE and Maintenance.
Since the beginning of this year, six LNG tankers have unloaded their cargo of liquefied natural gas at the terminal, including five under the responsibility of Gaz-Opale. These unloading operations ran very smoothly, to the great satisfaction of our customers, demonstrating the professionalism and commitment of all those involved.

All the divisions work together closely on a day-to-day basis to provide the best possible service in complete safety.
This success is also the result of effective communication between Dunkerque LNG’s teams and those of its subsidiary, particularly with respect to commercial matters. Together, they prepare the organisation of docking operations, discuss daily GRT-Gaz network transmission programmes and plan major maintenance operations that could have an impact on commercial services.

Alongside the day-to-day management of the terminal, and in close collaboration with Dunkerque LNG, Gaz-Opale contributes to reflection on major upcoming projects, such as tank truck LNG refuelling. Gaz-Opale, the future operator of this loading station, is proud to be able to contribute its expertise to the design of these new infrastructures.

Dunkerque LNG and Gaz-Opale have entered into a strong partnership that will last for the next 20 years!

Article présenté sur la lettre d'information : Juillet 2017