Terminal functions

Gate terminal has three storage tanks, three quays, three loading stations for trucks and an area in which LNG is converted into natural gas. The terminal fits within the Dutch and European energy policy, the important basic principles being the strategic distribution of LNG supply in a sustainable, safe and environmentally friendly way. Gate is contracted by clients who are the LNG owners. Gate undertakes the following actions regarding the supplied LNG:

• Receipt and unloading
  Before an LNG carrier starts to unload, an extensive safety checklist is completed. The liquefied gas is transferred from the carrier to the storage tanks via an unloading facility and a pipeline. A vapour recovery system ensures that no under or over-pressure can occur in any of the tanks, enabling the transfer to run efficiently and safely.
• Storage and cooling
  LNG is temporarily stored in extremely well-insulated tanks. The product can be kept cool by extracting LNG vapours, which causes the tank temperature to drop. These vapours are then added to the gas that is distributed via the gas pipework.
• Heating and distribution of gas
  The LNG is pumped from the tanks and pressurised. It is then heated and regasified and leaves the terminal as natural gas via underground pipelines. These connect to the gas transport network for further distribution to households and industry in the Netherlands and Northwest Europe.
• Loading in small vessels and trucks
  The loading of cooled LNG into small vessels and trucks for distribution to smaller terminals, petrol stations and larger vessels, where it is used as fuel.
• Reloading
  The reloading of LNG to large carriers, so that Gate customers can deal in LNG on the global market.