Land-based terminal
The import terminal will commence operation in 2027 as a future-flexible and emission-free facility.
In the first expansion phase, an emission-free terminal for LNG will begin operating at the Stade industrial park, whose infrastructure has also been approved for green energy carriers such as bio-LNG and synthetic natural gas (SNG) right from the outset. It will utilize Dow’s industrial waste heat and can therefore regasify the liquefied gases without additional CO2 emissions.
It is designed to have a 13.3 bcm/a regasification capacity and a 21.7 GW send-out capacity. The hub also offers storage options and thus additional flexibility to enable it to respond to movements in the market.
The terminal is scheduled to go into operation ammonia-ready.
Port
A modern energy port for liquefied gases is being built in Stade. The existing seaport is being expanded as part of the plans. Here, too, a flexible design enables both LNG and ammonia to be unloaded.
The port is strategically located in an excellent position relative to Hamburg, the River Elbe and the Kiel Canal. It is accessible for the largest LNG tankers with a length of 345 m. Smaller tankers can carry LNG and ammonia either to supply other inland ports or to directly supply ships in Hamburg, on the Elbe and the Kiel Canal with fuel (“bunkering”).
In order to guarantee the highest safety standards, extensive calculations were carried out in conjunction with maritime performance tests using various ship sizes in a nautical simulator. This was done for both the onshore terminal and the FSRU. Result: All requirements for the port’s safe operation have been fully met.
FSRU
In early 2024, the Transgas Force offshore vessel from the Dynagas shipping company will be anchored in Stade. It is one of five FSRUs (Floating Storage and Regasification Units) chartered by the German federal government. This “floating” LNG terminal has a regasification capacity of up to 7.5 bcm/a.
The FSRU uses existing infrastructure, and can be connected to the German gas grid via a very short connection line. The Transgas Force vessel is not compatible with hydrogen.
From the beginning of 2027, it is planned to replace the offshore support vessel with the more efficient and future-flexible land-based zero-emission terminal, which will secure Germany’s supply of LNG and green gases (bio-LNG, SNG) and, at the same time, support the market ramp-up of hydrogen.
Industrial park
The terminal is being built on land belonging to the existing Stade Industrial Park. The location enables the chemical sector, logistics and energy industry to be optimally networked.
Almost 50 years of experience with liquefied gases at the site ensure the highest safety standards.
Dow already produces hydrogen on site on a large scale. The industrial park is also home to one of the largest transformer stations in Germany, which distributes a considerable amount of electricity from the offshore wind farms in the North Sea (380kV grid connection).
Connecting infrastructure
Stade Industrial Park is ideally located: it is conveniently situated on the Elbe, with access to the North Sea as well as the Port of Hamburg, and is also close to two motorways and Europe’s largest marshalling yard in Maschen. Liquefied gases can be distributed by ship, truck and, in future, also by rail. Pipelines provide access to the German gas grid.
The European hydrogen network (H2 backbone) is being created in the immediate vicinity. The synergy effects generated by the connecting infrastructure will enable the creation of a unique, new hub.
Setting
The new terminal for liquefied gases in Stade not only contributes to Germany’s energy security – it also provides a great opportunity for Lower Saxony, the Hamburg metropolitan region and beyond.