Withdrawal of the energy power: agreement in the dispute over LNG terminal in Mukran!

Withdrawal of the energy power: agreement in the dispute over LNG terminal in Mukran!

The dynamics in the German LNG market continue to take unexpected turns: the "Energos Power" has found its berth in front of Alexandria and is no longer stationed in the Baltic Sea port of Mukran. As reported NDR, the charter contract between the German regas and the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy was resolved. This happened after the ship's withdrawal in March 2025, a step that German regas founded with the pressure through competing LNG terminals.

The German LNG landscape is currently strong in change. Since the “Energos Power” was withdrawn, only the regasification ship "Neptune" has been in the Mukran port. While the talks between German regas and the federal government initially ran bumpy, an agreement could ultimately be reached. In retrospect for the date, it can be seen that the contract was resolved retrospectively in February 2025, and all open points from the ongoing contractual relationship have been finally regulated. Details on further content of the agreement have not yet been known.

competitive pressure and operating costs

But what is behind this sudden change in the circumstances? According to Maritime Executive is exposed to German regas of a ruinous competitive situation (DET). These compete in the LNG import business and offer their services below the approved minimum costs, which exerts a noticeable pressure on the economy of private providers such as German regas. With a volume of 174,000 cubic meters, the Energos Power is the larger of the two floating regasification units in the German Baltic Sea LNG import complex and thus plays a crucial role in the market.

The inefficiencies and oppressive prices of the state -managed competitors have made German regas so much to be troubled that a termination of the charter contract was considered necessary. Managing Director Ingo Wagner said with regret about this step and emphasized that more successful competitive conditions have to be created.

alternatives and new developments

parallel to the turbulent development in Mukran has also done something in the Elbehafen in Brunsbüttel. According to Elbberg, Elbehafen LNG GmbH has installed a floating LNG terminal. This FSRU, which should be ready for operation from January 2023, will be realized in two phases. In the first phase, the ship will determine directly on the ELSMAFE; In the second phase, a mooring bridge is planned that enables more smooth connection. Here is also important on environmental permits - an important signal in terms of sustainable development.

The current market situation is a clear indication that the competition in the gas business continues to be sharper and that the coming months could be decisive. The entire industry is looking forward to the reactions of the providers and potential market changes.