During the European Gas Conference in Vienna, Gate terminal, a joint venture between Vopak (42,5%) and Gasunie (42,5%), was named ‘LNG Project of the Year’. According to the jury Gate terminal ‘will serve as an independent distribution point for European energy companies to address the rising demand for and declining production of natural gas in North-West Europe. The terminal will both increase the security of supplies as well enable new players to enter the European gas market’.
It was the first time that the European Gas Conference Awards were given to recognize outstanding achievements in the industry. The LNG Project of the Year award acknowledges a successful, innovative and dynamic LNG project which has made significant contributions to the industry over the last 12 months.
In September 2011, Gate terminal was officially opened by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. Gate (Gas Access To Europe) terminal is located on the Maasvlakte in Rotterdam and is the first LNG import terminal in the Netherlands. The terminal will have an initial annual throughput capacity of 12 billion cubic meters per year (bcma) and can be increased to 16 bcma in the future.