Gas
EemsEnergyTerminal moves to lock in long-term LNG expansion beyond 2027
The move is backed by recently secured commercial contracts for the 2028–2036 period
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By ICN Bureau | June 02, 2026
The EemsEnergyTerminal in Eemshaven is set for a major extension beyond 2027 after its shareholders took a conditional final investment decision (cFID), signalling strong confidence in long-term LNG demand and Europe’s energy security strategy.
The move is backed by recently secured commercial contracts for the 2028–2036 period and a government commitment guarantee. The final investment decision will only be made once all necessary permits are in place.
Shareholders Gasunie and Vopak say the expansion is a key step in strengthening the Netherlands’ and Europe’s energy resilience. The government support is designed to cover part of the remaining project risk, helping enable the long-term continuation of the terminal.
A substantial share of the expanded LNG capacity has already been contracted with suppliers, while negotiations continue for the remaining volumes. That capacity is being offered on a “First Come, First Served” basis.
The planned expansion would increase the terminal’s import capacity from 8 bcm to 8.6 bcm of natural gas per year—roughly a quarter of Dutch annual gas demand.
Operational since September 2022, the EemsEnergyTerminal was originally developed under a five-year contract in coordination with the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth, as part of a rapid push to strengthen energy security and reduce reliance on Russian gas.
The new plans signal that its role may now extend well beyond its initial emergency mandate, becoming a more permanent pillar of Europe’s LNG infrastructure.
