About Gate Terminal

Gate Terminal B.V. is a 50/50 joint venture between N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie and Koninklijke Vopak N.V.. The LNG terminal has been operational since September 2011 and serves as one of Europe’s most important LNG import and regasification facilities.

At the terminal, imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) is unloaded from LNG carriers, stored in cryogenic tanks, regasified, and then delivered into the European natural gas transmission network. The facility currently has an annual throughput capacity of approximately 12 billion cubic meters per annum (BCM), with plans for future expansion up to 16 BCM.

In addition to regasification services, Gate Terminal also provides LNG truck loading, LNG vessel backloading, container loading, and LNG bunkering support for marine applications.

Why is Jetty 5 Being Planned?

The growing adoption of LNG as a cleaner fuel for maritime transportation and industrial applications has increased demand for small-scale LNG distribution services. To evaluate future market demand, Gate Terminal has launched a non-binding Expression of Interest (EOI) process for the planned Jetty 5 development.

The terminal is inviting companies currently active in the small-scale LNG market, as well as potential new entrants, to participate in the market consultation process. Based on the response received, Gate Terminal will determine whether to proceed with detailed engineering studies and permit applications for the project.

Part of a Larger Expansion Strategy

The Jetty 5 proposal is part of Gate Terminal’s broader strategy to strengthen the security of energy supply in Northwest Europe and accommodate increasing LNG demand.

Over the past few years, Gate Terminal has implemented several capacity enhancement initiatives, including:

• Increasing LNG truck loading capabilities.
• Expanding annual gas send-out capacity.
• Developing additional regasification infrastructure.
• Constructing a fourth LNG storage tank.
• Evaluating future marine infrastructure expansions such as Jetty 5.

Increase in Truck Loading Capacity

Gate Terminal has experienced a significant rise in LNG truck loading activities. To address congestion and growing demand, the terminal has expanded its truck loading infrastructure and previously added spare loading facilities. As part of its long-term growth strategy, two additional truck loading bays were developed to improve operational flexibility and loading efficiency.

Increase in Gas Send-Out Capacity

The terminal has also increased its gas send-out capability through system modifications, investments, and operational optimization measures. Following successful testing, Gate Terminal achieved an annual gas send-out capacity of approximately 12 BCM on a firm basis along with an additional 4 BCM of interruptible capacity.

These enhancements help ensure a reliable natural gas supply for the Netherlands and neighboring European markets, particularly during periods of high seasonal demand.

Fourth LNG Tank Development

As demand for LNG imports continues to grow, Gate Terminal has invested in expanding its storage infrastructure through the development of a fourth LNG storage tank. The additional tank is expected to support increased regasification capacity and improve the terminal’s ability to handle future LNG imports.

The fourth tank expansion forms a critical component of the terminal’s long-term strategy for strengthening Europe’s energy security and reducing dependence on single-source gas supplies.

Engineering Perspective

From an engineering standpoint, development of a new LNG jetty involves extensive planning, design, and safety integration. Key areas typically include:

• Marine berth construction and mooring systems
• Cryogenic LNG transfer pipelines
• LNG loading arms and transfer equipment
• Emergency Shutdown (ESD) Systems
• Fire & Gas Detection Systems
• Process safety and risk assessments
• Environmental impact studies
• Navigational and marine control systems
• Terminal automation and control integration

These systems ensure safe operation during LNG vessel berthing, loading, unloading, and transfer activities while maintaining compliance with international safety standards.

Importance for European Energy Security

The expansion of LNG infrastructure remains a strategic priority for Europe as countries continue to diversify their natural gas supply sources. Additional loading and distribution capacity at Gate Terminal will help improve operational flexibility, support LNG bunkering growth, and strengthen the resilience of the European energy market.

Investments such as Jetty 5 demonstrate the continued importance of LNG infrastructure in supporting energy security, industrial growth, and the transition toward lower-carbon energy solutions.