Germany’s energy network awaits September to ignite next LNG link in FSRU chain

June 10, 2026, by Melisa Cavcic

Germany’s Deutsche Energy Terminal (DET), part of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and a state-owned operator of four liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals, has revealed the timeline for the commissioning of the European country’s next floating LNG terminal, which caps the state-funded floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) rollout, emphasizing the LNG terminals’ importance for energy security and resilience.

Deutsche Energy Terminal works with its local partners on behalf of Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) to market and operate the government-initiated FSRUs, which are used to convert LNG back into a gaseous state and feed it into the German gas grid. As a result, DET is responsible for the terminal in Brunsbüttel, two terminals in Wilhelmshaven, and the Stade FSRU project.

After facing challenges during the construction of the floating LNG terminal Stade, the German player underlines that the facility is now scheduled to begin operations in September, deeming the start-up as “good news for Stade as an energy hub and for Germany’s security of supply.”

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The extensive technical and safety-related assessments, along with preparatory measures carried out on behalf of the operator, are perceived to outline a clear roadmap toward the first LNG delivery.

While the state-owned company sub-chartered the FSRU Energos Force, the regasification vessel designated for operation in Stade, and deployed it in Jordan, contractual provisions ensure that the FSRU will return in time for the terminal’s commissioning phase at the jetty specifically constructed by the State of Lower Saxony in the industrial port of Stade-Bützfleth.

Deutsche Energy Terminal emphasized: “This completes the federal government’s terminal concept for securing gas supplies, with Stade complementing the existing terminal locations in Brunsbüttel and Wilhelmshaven. The timely return of the FSRU Energos Force is assured.

“Upon arrival, the regasification vessel will be connected to the loading infrastructure—such as the towering loading arms on the right. The gangway on the left side of the image will be swung out to the high ship’s side of the regasification vessel and securely attached. In the weeks that follow, numerous safety tests will be conducted before regular operations can begin.”

Meanwhile, Deutsche ReGas, a private German LNG operator, which felt that DET’s LNG pricing policy was detrimental to the German market, embarked on a legal battle to challenge the European Commission’s approval of the €4.96 billion subsidy scheme for state-controlled LNG terminals on the grounds that such moves harm competition and weaken gas security.

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