New LNG import infrastructure picks up pace in Europe

The countries across Europe to install new LNG import facilities in record time continues to pick up pace, with FSRUs now secured for deployment in a number of EU member states.

The sharp fall in Russian pipeline imports – and the prospect of flows from Russia being cut further or halted completely – has led to plans to realize numerous projects, both old and new, as quickly as possible.

Most of the plans are for floating LNG import facilities – known as FSRUs (floating storage and regasification units) – which can be installed more quickly than onshore, permanent import terminals.

according to S&P Global Commodity Insights data, some 25 new FSRUs are expected to be installed across the EU in the coming years, with the first facilities already expected to be operational before the end of 2022.

Projects are moving forward at unprecedented speed, driven by the urgent need to displace Russian pipeline gas, with developers praising the combination of political and commercial will in accelerating work.