Poland’s LNG terminal preparing for first commercial cargo

Poland’s LNG import terminal in Świnoujście is in final preparatory works as it is gearing up to receive its first commercial cargo from the world’s largest LNG exporter, Qatar.

Świnoujście LNG terminal is Poland’s flagship project to diversify gas supplies and reduce dependence on pipeline imports from Russia.

The LNG terminal has since December last year received two cargoes from Qatar for testing purposes onboard the 210,000 cbm Q-flex LNG carrier Al Nuaman.

The first commercial cargo is expected in July this year, marking the official start-up of operations at the LNG importing facility.

According to the terminal operator, Polskie LNG, the Governor of West Pomerania Province has recently granted an operating permit to the LNG terminal in Świnoujście, which allows for the commercial use of the terminal.

Polskie LNG, a unit of Gaz-System, has also invited parties concerned to participate in consultations of the draft of the Świnoujście LNG terminal code.

“The proposed draft of the code is determined by legislation, as well as the strive to offer the uncontracted capacity of the LNG terminal in Świnoujście to all interested market players,” Polskie LNG said.

All comments and suggestions need to submitted by May 9 after they will undergo a “thorough analysis” prior to publishing the final revision of the code, the company said.

Świnoujście LNG terminal is designed to receive, regasify and deliver 5 bcm of gas per annum into the Polish national grid.

It consists of a 3-km long breakwater, a jetty that will be able to unload carriers with the capacity ranging from 120,000 to 217,000 cbm, two 160,000 cbm LNG storage tanks, regasification facilities and an 85-km pipeline connecting the facility with the Polish gas grid.

According to Polskie LNG’s website, PGNiG will receive chilled gas based on a 20-year contract with Qatargas that will deliver one million tons per annum of LNG to the terminal in Świnoujście.

LNG World News Staff