German utilities take on LNG supply duties

The first two floating import terminals now have commitments to full deliveries

Europe has learned the hard way on numerous occasions that LNG import capacity does not equal supply. The German government is clearly keen not to repeat the mistake, as it has inked agreements with three of the country’s utilities that specify that all capacity in two new floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs) must be filled. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, or BMWK, has signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with Uniper, RWE and the VNG subsidiary of EnBW to supply the Brunsbuettel and Wilhelmshaven FSRUs with gas, with legally binding contracts being drawn up “quickly”. “The declared aim is to use [the FSRUs] to full capacity as soon as they are