Port of Rotterdam Authority CEO Hans Smits seemed delighted with the 'final investment decision' by Gate terminal: “Call it an early Christmas present for European energy supply. This is the first time in 20 years that an LNG terminal is to be built for our part of the continent. That’s good for the security of supply to industry and consumers. Rotterdam will build further on its position as Europe’s most important energy port. With more LNG capacity, the modernisation of refineries,  new plants for biofuels, cleaner coal-fired power stations and a sharp reduction in CO2 emissions.”

Rotterdam energy port
In the next ten years, many billions will be invested in expansion, diversification and making the energy supply cleaner. In addition to the Gate terminal, the Liongas terminal is also under construction. Three of the five
oil refineries will be producing more, and most importantly cleaner, products. Between seven and ten plants will be built for biofuels, and five power stations. Tank storage will be further expanded and there will be a
cable connection for the  exchange of electricity with England. At the same time, Rotterdam wants to reduce its CO2 emissions by 50%. The relevant pipeline system can be expanded further to Belgium and Germany.

60 million
The Port of Rotterdam Authority will be investing around € 60 million in the construction of the basic infrastructure for Gate terminal. A sheltered port basin will be created on the Maasvlakte for the LNG vessels. In digging the 1.5-kilometre long basin, 6.5 million m? of sand will become available. The aim is to use this for the construction of the Second Maasvlakte. The terminal will take approximately three years to build. 

Incoming trade
It is 20 years since the last LNG terminal for northwest continental Europe was built. In Rotterdam, not only the Gate terminal is to be built, but also the Liongas terminal (Europoort). Rotterdam is equipped to handle the largest LNG ships of the Qatar Max type. The ships have a draught of up to 12 metres and a length of up to 350 metres. Incoming trade of 9 bcm requires 2 to 3 ships, with a volume of 140,000 to 250,000 m2 per week.

Safety, shipping, the environment
Simulation, in cooperation with the maritime research institute Marin and the Rotterdam Rijnmond Pilotage Service, has revealed that LNG can be shipped into the port well and safely. Nor does this involve any noticeable delays for other shipping traffic. Important factors here are the quality of the traffic guidance system and the experience with ships carrying dangerous substances. 
LNG helps towards a sustainable port because it is basically a clean product and the terminals in Rotterdam are connected to power plants. Part of their 'residual heat' is used to return the extremely cold (-160 degrees Celsius) LNG to gas form.