Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions with answers about a.o. LNG, the location, are mentioned in the overview below.
Vopak and Gasunie
Do Vopak and Gasunie have experience with LNG?
Gasunie operates an LNG peak shaving facility in the port of Rotterdam for 30 years and is therefore familiar with the LNG product. Vopak offers storage facilities for various products, including products under low temperatures or to save under pressure. Knowledge of LNG and storage of products is therefore present by combining Vopak / Gasunie.
What is the role of an independent terminal operator?
Neither Vopak nor Gasunie will have a commercial interest in the trade in or sale of LNG or natural gas. As independent companies they will offer their services to anyone wishing to use them. Gate terminal will give all customers a fair chance to use the independent LNG import terminal by means of an open season procedure.
Doesn’t have Gasunie already its own natural gas?
Gasunie was split up on 1 July 2005 into a trading company (Gasunie Trade & Supply) and an infrastructure and transport company (N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie). The latter is participating in Gate terminal with the specific aim of exploiting the growing international gas flows. N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie’s tasks include managing and developing the national gas transport network and transporting gas.
How will the terminal operator satisfy the statutory requirement to segregate Gasunie’s transport and other activities?
Gas Transport Services B.V. (GTS) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie but operates as an autonomous company as required by law. GTS is responsible for the commercial management, operation and development of the national transport network. It ensures there is sufficient capacity, is responsible for balancing the network and for connections to other networks.
What does Vopak do?
Vopak is the world’s largest independent tank terminal operator and is specialised in the storage and distribution of liquid and gaseous chemical and oil products. It has a wealth of experience developing and managing independent terminals, handling cargoes carried by tanker and efficiently managing stocks for a variety of customers. One of the goals Vopak has set itself is to expand its core activities in the storage and handling of LNG. For further information, go to www.vopak.com.
What does Gasunie do?
Gasunie was incorporated in 1963 and has more than 40 years’ experience in the transport of natural gas, gas quality control and efficient supply to the national gas transport network. The network plays an important role in the distribution of natural gas flows to other countries in Europe. Gasunie has operated an LNG peak shaver on the Maasvlakte for 30 years, producing LNG from natural gas and vice versa. During peak periods of extreme cold this plant guarantees the security of supplies in the west of the Netherlands by injecting natural gas into the national network. Gasunie was split up on 1 July 2005 into a trading company (Gasunie Trade & Supply) and an infrastructure and transport company. The latter is participating in the joint venture with Vopak. For further information, go to www.gasunie.nl.
