Cornerstone ceremony for new terminal

The ceremony took place on 8 May and was conducted by Lower Saxony minister Olaf Lies, Norwegian ambassador to Germany, Sven Erik Svedman and Executive Vice President Trond Nordal from Gassco. The new facility will replace the existing Norsea Gas Terminal. It will be constructed on an unused site within the fence surrounding the existing terminal area.

The Norsea Gas Terminal (NGT) became operational in 1977 and the facility receives a substantial proportion of Norwegian gas deliveries to Germany through the Norpipe line. The final decision to build a new terminal to replace the NGT was taken by the Gassled Joint Venture 30 November 2012, based on recommendation from the operator Gassco. Safety and regularity considerations related to the age of the NGT, were the commercial drivers for the conceptual choice and investment decision.

During the ceremony, Gasscos representative, Trond Nordal, pointed out that large investment have been made in the transport system to handle European demand for Norwegian gas. Construction of a new terminal in Emden is an example."The new receiving terminal will strengthen Norway's position as a long-term supplier of gas to Germany. Annual gas deliveries from Norway to Europe exceeded 100 billion m³ for the first time in 2012. They are expected to remain on a high level for many years to come. Delivering gas securely and reliably to Germany is Gassco's responsibility. It is a duty we discharge with the utmost seriousness", he added.

“A safe and reliable energy supply is essential for the growth of German economy and the nation's prosperity. Along with Russia, Norway is Germany’s most important energy supplier. Against this background I'm personally much obliged for this forward looking investment in Emden. The construction of a new Gasterminal makes a contribution towards a long term security of supply, supports the economical development and safeguards employment beyond the region's border", says Olaf Lies, Minister of Niedersachsen.

“For more than 37 Years Norway and Ostfriesland are sharing a precious bond - the Norpipe. Since 1977 natural gas from the north sea is transported through this 440 km long pipeline The gas connection between Norway and Germany will be of importance also for the decades to come. And Norway will stay as a stable partner and a relieable supplier for oil and gas to Germany, Europe and the entire world", says the Norwegian ambassador to Germany, Sven-Erik Svedman.

The new receiving terminal will become operational in 2016. Norway is the second largest gas supplier to the EU. Compared with Germany's domestic consumption in 2013, the Norwegian gas flow to the country covered nearly 50% of Germany's demand for the fuel.

Adapted from press release by Hannah Priestley-Eaton

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/12052014/cornerstone_ceremony_for_new_terminal/