VTTI and Höegh Evi have announced the launch of the open season for the Zeeland Energy Terminal (ZET), marking a significant next step in the development of new LNG import infrastructure in the Netherlands. The project is intended to support national and European energy security and market needs from late 2029 onwards, while maintaining a strong focus on minimising environmental impact.
The project has continued to progress steadily, with the first phase of the permitting process completed and a suitable site secured in the Vlissingen-Oost harbour. A final investment decision is currently expected in the third quarter of 2027.
As an initial step in market engagement, participants are invited to express interest in future capacity at Zeeland Energy Terminal, a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU)–based LNG terminal to be located in the harbour of Vlissingen-Oost.
According to Tom Smeenk, Executive Vice President Growth at VTTI, the launch of the open season represents an important milestone in engaging the market and shaping the terminal’s future capacity. He noted that the project addresses clear Dutch and European demand for reliable LNG import capacity and is expected to play a vital role in enhancing energy security, supported by a centrally coordinated permitting process.
Thomas Thorkildsen, Chief Commercial Officer at Höegh Evi, highlighted the strategic importance of Zeeland and the Netherlands in strengthening European energy security. He emphasised that the floating Zeeland Energy Terminal will deliver reliable LNG import capacity, rank among the most efficient LNG terminals in Europe, and offer full flexibility to adapt to future needs. He added that Höegh Evi looks forward to engaging with customers during the open season and continuing the terminal’s development in partnership with VTTI.
Zeeland Energy Terminal is planned as a large-scale LNG import facility, providing approximately 7.5 bcm per annum of send-out capacity and at least 180,000 cubic meters of LNG storage. The terminal will enable the unloading of liquefied natural gas carriers and include the possibility for LNG bunkering.
The terminal is designed to support security of supply and market flexibility for both the Netherlands and the wider European market from late 2029.
Open season: market engagement
VTTI and Höegh Evi are inviting potential customers and interested parties to engage in discussions regarding capacity requirements, commercial structures, and future participation in Zeeland Energy Terminal. The open season will play a key role in shaping the terminal’s configuration as the project advances towards final investment decision.
Expressions of interest can be submitted via the Zeeland Energy Terminal website. The expression of interest phase of the open season will remain open until 6th March 2026, with the commercial process expected to conclude by the end of 2026.
Strategic infrastructure for energy security and transition
Zeeland Energy Terminal has been recognised as a project of national interest for the Netherlands, underscoring its strategic importance in strengthening the country’s energy system. The terminal will support the diversification of LNG import routes and enhance flexibility in the European gas market amid an increasingly complex and evolving energy landscape.
Natural gas is expected to remain a key component of the energy mix during the transition to renewable energy, providing reliability and flexibility. Zeeland Energy Terminal will complement existing LNG infrastructure in the Netherlands and across Europe, contributing to a resilient and competitive gas market. The FSRU solution is designed to be adaptable and can be modified to accommodate changing infrastructure needs throughout the transition to cleaner energy.
Subject to permitting and commercial alignment, Zeeland Energy Terminal is targeted to become operational from late 2029, delivering long-term value through secure, flexible, and future-oriented energy infrastructure.
For more information visit www.zeelandenergyterminal.com
