Dunkerque LNG Terminal

LNG Import Terminal

Sofregaz’s Long-Term Expertise in France

  • Project Name: Dunkerque LNG Receiving Terminal
  • Country: France
  • Project Site Location: Port of Dunkerque, Northern France
  • Name of Client: Dunkerque LNG / EDF
  • Project Type: Multi-phase Involvement (Engineering Studies, PMC, Technical Assistance)
  • Completion Date: Ongoing since 2011
The Dunkerque LNG Receiving Terminal, located in northern France, serves as a critical energy hub with a storage capacity of 13 BCM/year and 3 x 190,000 m³ LNG storage tanks. The terminal plays a key role in the European gas supply network, facilitating the import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from global markets. One of the terminal's standout features is a 5 km underground tunnel that connects the facility to the Gravelines nuclear power plant, utilizing the plant’s cooling water to support Open Rack Vaporizers (ORV), enhancing energy efficiency.

Since the project's inception in 2011, Sofregaz has played an integral role in every major phase of the terminal's development, from the initial engineering studies to the construction and commissioning stages. This long-term involvement has allowed Sofregaz to contribute to the design and optimization of critical infrastructures, ensuring that the terminal operates efficiently, safely, and with minimal environmental impact.

Initial Engineering and FEED Studies

In the early stages, Sofregaz conducted detailed FEED (Front-End Engineering Design) studies, laying the groundwork for the project’s technical and operational success. These studies covered process design, site layout, and safety systems, ensuring that the terminal could handle LNG carriers up to 267,000 m³.

Construction and Commissioning

During the construction phase, Sofregaz oversaw the installation of the LNG storage tanks, the regasification facilities, and the underground tunnel. Our team ensured that all components were integrated seamlessly into the existing infrastructure, meeting the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency. Sofregaz also played a pivotal role in the commissioning of the terminal, ensuring that all systems were tested and optimized before becoming fully operational.

Ongoing Technical Support and Upgrades

Even after the terminal became operational in 2016, Sofregaz has continued to provide ongoing technical support. This includes optimizing the terminal’s operations, maintaining the safety systems, and helping with periodic upgrades to keep the facility at the forefront of LNG technology. The terminal's design has also been future-proofed to allow for capacity expansions and new technologies.

Environmental and Sustainability Contributions

One of the key features of the Dunkerque LNG Terminal is its commitment to sustainability. The use of Gravelines’ cooling water in the Open Rack Vaporization process reduces the environmental footprint of the terminal. This innovative approach minimizes the energy required for the regasification process and reduces emissions, aligning with France’s and Europe’s broader goals for sustainable energy.

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