Uniper : Open Season process for LNG terminal project in Wilhelmshaven begins

LNG Terminal Wilhelmshaven GmbH ('LTW') investigates market participants' interest in the LNG terminal project in Wilhelmshaven in a so-called Open Season process, starting today. LTW will continue the initiative kicked off by Uniper to realize the first LNG import terminal in Germany at the present location.

In order to take part in this Open Season process, interested parties are being asked to hand in a written expression of interest signed by their management, demonstrating that the party is already active on the market for liquefied natural gas (LNG) or intends to do so in the future. After having concluded a non-disclosure agreement, LTW will grant access to further details of the project. Afterwards, the participants can conclude a still non-binding agreement ('Heads of Agreement') with LTW until the 19 July 2019. The conclusion of binding contracts is currently planned for mid October 2019.

Within the next three years, LTW plans to construct an LNG terminal at Germany's only deepwater port location and start operations. It is designed as a so-called FSRU ('Floating Storage and Regasification Unit'), a technology which can be realized most economically and quickly. The nominal send-out capacity of LNG will be up to 10 bcm per year. The Wilhelmshaven location offers ideal conditions from both marine and logistics perspective. Connecting it to the natural gas transmission grid only requires a roughly 30 km pipeline to be built in mainly agricultural setting. LNG tankers will be able to access the facility independently of tides, in accordance with highest international security standards.

Alongside regasification and injection into the transmission grid, the FSRU shall offer the possibility for loading LNG onto bunker barges or tank trucks for road transport. This makes LNG locally available. So the Wilhelmshaven terminal can indirectly contribute to emissions reduction in shipping and heavy-duty transport.

LNG Terminal Wilhelmshaven GmbH is a company of the Uniper Group. Uniper is currently in talks with potential partnering companies from the natural gas and LNG industry regarding a majority share in the terminal company, which shall act as an independent terminal operator.

More information on the project is available at https://lng-wilhelmshaven.com.