According to a joint statement, the Dutch Ministry of Climate and Green Growth (KGG) published the notification of intent and proposal for participation, marking the formal start of the permitting process as a project of strategic interest for the Dutch government.
Located in Sloehaven in Vlissingen or Braakmanhaven in Terneuzen, Zeeland Energy Terminal (ZET) will feature a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) that will directly connect to the national gas grid, boosting the country’s LNG import capacity.
VTTI and Hoegh Evi say the terminal will be a “critical” addition to existing LNG facilities in Rotterdam and Eemshaven, enhancing energy security and affordability.
This availability of energy can also stimulate growth and other opportunities for the local economy in Zeeland.
“Stakeholder engagement is central to this permitting process. Residents, businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), authorities and other stakeholders are invited to participate via submissions to KGG/RVO,” the two firm said.
Communication regarding an open season for interested market participants is planned to follow, after the completion of this initial permitting step, with the launch currently expected in the fourth quarter of 2025.
According to the duo, ZET aims to start operations by 2028/2029.
In December 2023, VTTI and Hoegh announced this project, saying that they expect the facility to launch operations in the second half of 2027.
The Netherlands imports LNG via Gasunie’s and Vopak’s Gate terminal in Rotterdam and the Eemshaven LNG hub which features two FSRUs.