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Operations and major projects
22/01/18
The Dunkerque LNG terminal started commercial operations on the 1st January 2017, following more than six months of industrial testing and five years of construction work. Béatrice Prud’homme, CEO of Dunkerque LNG, offers a glowing assessment of the terminal's first year and is already planning new projects for the future.
"Since it was commissioned, the LNG terminal has serviced 10 ships. In each case, everything went smoothly. The teams from Dunkerque LNG and Gaz-Opale, a subsidiary of Dunkerque LNG in charge of operating the terminal, were even congratulated for their professionalism by every ship's captain. We are especially proud of this kind of feedback. Now, we have to make sure not to let down our position so we can maintain our reputation", says Béatrice Prud’homme.
The LNG terminal is a new facility that is already undergoing improvements to meet customers' needs. That's why an initial modification designed to offer "rapid ship reloading" (8,000 m3 LNG/hour) is already underway. Construction should be complete by the end of the year and will supplement the current slow reloading service (4,000 m3 LNG/hour). "This new service gives our customers added flexibility, which offers real added value in today's climate", specifies Béatrice Prud’homme.
Another project is also currently underway is the construction of a truck-loading station within the terminal. "This will allow us to load up more than 3,000 trucks per year with LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas). Our first customer, Total, will supply "the Honfleur", the ship owned by Brittany Ferries, in Ouistreham. It will be the first French ferry to run on LNG. For environmental reasons, more and more ships are using LNG", explains Béatrice Prud’homme. "Nowadays, many companies are making the switch, including Brittany Ferries, CMA, CGM, and Disney Cruise Line. This is very promising news for this type of fuel, which will help advance the transition to greener forms of energy."
The anticipated increase in the number of ships using LNG has led the terminal to consider, in collaboration with (the) Dunkirk’s port, expansion and improvement projects, such as adapting its pier, to provide vessels with bunkering services. "This would allow 'barges' to be loaded with LNG at the pier and then supply vessels running on LNG once they arrive in Dunkirk's port", says Béatrice Prud’homme.
The terminal's first year of operation has been a resounding success! The teams are now concentrated on new challenges for 2018, including construction projects in the summer and the first reloading services.
Article présenté sur la lettre d'information : Janvier 2018
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