Simmons & Simmons advises Gate LNG on break bulk expansion

International law firm Simmons & Simmons has advised Gate terminal, a joint venture between Gasunie and Royal Vopak, on its expansion through adding infrastructure allowing it to offer liquefied natural gas (LNG) break bulk services to its customers at the terminal.

The expansion will enhance Gate terminal’s ability to act as the gateway for LNG progressing into North Western Europe. The new infrastructure will assist meeting the demand for the use of LNG as a fuel which is expected to grow substantially following the introduction of stringent new emission regulations (SECA) for the marine sector in the North Sea and in the Baltic Sea from 2015. By using LNG as a fuel, barges, coasters, ferries, as well as heavy trucks, can reduce their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by up to 20%, their nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by up to 85%, while reducing sulphur and particle emissions to almost zero.

Shell has been contracted as the launching customer of the new facilities. Construction is due to start this year and completion scheduled for 2016.

[mappress]

Press Release, July 10, 2014; Image: Gate