DET’s Wilhelmshaven02 LNG terminal starts commercial operations

Deutsche Energy Terminal (DET) has announced that a second liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, has completed its commissioning phase and is now ready to begin commercial operations.

The terminal underwent a series of functional and performance tests during its commissioning phase.

The Oldenburg Trade Supervisory Authority granted the terminal approval under hazardous incident regulations on 1 August, with no objections.

DET managing director Peter Röttgen said: “Wilhelmshaven 02 combines several technologies that are unique in Germany and Europe, from the FSRU to onshore feed-in: on the one hand, there is ECOnnect’s flexible pipeline system for the direct transfer of natural gas to land without a pipe bridge.

“This has significantly reduced the impact on the seabed ecosystem. On the other hand, the ultrasonic process for cleaning the FSRU’s seawater pipeline system, which is unique in Europe, has now been put into operation. We would like to thank everyone involved for this successful transition to commercial operation and for their outstanding work.”

The fully operational Wilhelmshaven02 terminal, featuring the floating storage regasification unit (FSRU) Excelsior, is poised to contribute to the security of Germany’s gas supply and assist in filling gas storage facilities in preparation for the upcoming heating season.

DET previously offered regasification capacities to the market, which were fully subscribed by traders for the year 2026.

Integrated LNG infrastructure solutions provider Excelerate Energy, the owner of the Excelsior FSRU is responsible for the full operations of the terminal, including onboard regasification services.

Gasfin Services has been appointed by DET to manage the on-site terminal operations.

Gasfin Services managing director Danny van Schie said: “Following Gasfin’s intensive role as consultant during the planning and implementation phases, the official takeover of operations management and a successful trial run, we are all the more pleased to now begin commercial operations.

“Wilhelmshaven02 is already the second terminal – after Brunsbüttel – for which Gasfin is responsible for operational management on behalf of DET.”

DET has also partnered with KN Energies, a Lithuanian LNG company, for the commercial management, technical operations and maintenance of the Wilhelmshaven02 terminal.

The terminal is set to impact the natural gas supply in Germany, with the Excelsior expected to feed up to 1.9 billion cubic metres (bcm) of natural gas into the German grid in 2025, enough to heat approximately 1.5 million four-person households.