The business structure for the future operation of Deutsche Energy Terminal’s (DET) LNG terminal Wilhelmshaven 2, which is currently under construction, is complete.
Following the conclusion of the tendering process, the state-owned operating company was able to contractually entrust the Lithuanian company KN Energies (KN) with the tasks of technical operation and maintenance on 3 May 2024.
“We are pleased to have found an experienced service provider for Operations and Maintenance at our Wilhelmshaven 2 site, with whom we already have good cooperation,” said DET Managing Director Dr Peter Röttgen on the commitment of the partly state-owned partner from Klaipėda. “This enables good synergies within our project for the security of supply in Germany and Europe.”
KN is already active in commercial management at the four DET sites in Brunsbüttel, Stade and Wilhelmshaven 1 and 2 while DET is responsible for the overall operational management. Upon the start of commercial operations of the terminal, KN Energies will be responsible for the technical operations and maintenance of the terminal’s infrastructure – the jetty, its equipment and the pipeline, organising the work of the on-site team, as well as the coordination of preventive and corrective actions.
“It is symbolic that this year, on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of Klaipėda LNG Terminal, a symbol of Lithuania’s energy independence, we are taking on even a greater role in the German LNG terminal market, the development of which, like in Lithuania, is aimed at ensuring the country’s energy independence and a reliable natural gas supply,” said Darius Šilenskis, Chief Executive Officer of KN Energies. “We have been cooperating with our partners in Germany since 2022 and I am convinced that the unique competencies, expertise, professionalism and cooperation demonstrated by KN Energies so far will allow us to successfully take on new responsibilities and meet the expectations of our customers.”
Meanwhile, work on the construction of the new jetty for the Wilhelmshaven 2 terminal is progressing at full speed. The FSRU has an LNG storage capacity of 138,000 cubic metres and an annual nameplate regasification capacity of 5 billion cubic metres (bcm) of natural gas. The terminal is scheduled to start commercial operations in the second half of this year.