From clean air to energy security, access to more affordable energy in the form of LNG can have a game changing impact on the world. Experts believe LNG can help fill the energy gap in Europe and will play a critical role in achieving net zero.

To find answers to the industry’s issues and reach independence through LNG, more than 350 LNG pioneers gathered at the LNGCON 2023 on March 6-7, in Düsseldorf, Germany. We were honoured to have Hanseatic Energy Hub, a terminal for liquefied natural gases at the industrial site of Stade, as the Hosting Company of the event.  

LNGCON has its long-term history and for 9 years in a row the Congress has been uniting the whole LNG community. We see our mission in providing a platform for dialogue between key LNG players - this year, we organised over 280 B2B meetings. Our participants had an opportunity to share their projects in tailored one-to-one meetings and generate new business contacts.

The Congress was held on the eve of the International Women's Day and we were very happy to see a strong female representation. We recognize the values of diversity and inclusion and the significant role that women have played in the LNG industry's success.

The LNGCON 2023 session programme featured more than 65 speakers from the leading LNG exporters and offtakers, EPCs, terminals, ports, fueling stations, truck and fleet owners and local gas companies, such as Shell, Equinor, OMV, McDermott, Iveco, and Balearia, who shared their exclusive case studies on improving infrastructure for a shift to LNG.

The event started off with a warm opening speech from the Project Director, Natalya Kuznetsova. The speech was followed by a welcome address by Danielle Stoves, Commercial & Regulatory Director at the Hosting Company, Hanseatic Energy Hub, and Bertrand Leroy, Group GAS Director at TSG group - the Principal Sponsor of the Congress.

We highlighted 6 inspiring LNGCON sessions where experts shared their vision on dynamic LNG infrastructure development:

Executive Opening Panel: Energy transition and LNG role in this process 

At the opening panel, executives from DNV, LIQVIS, OMV Turkey, PT Pertagas Niaga, Snam4Mobility, and Hoegh LNG provided an overview of the LNG market and discussed the challenges of the ongoing energy transition. Thomas Thorkildsen, Chief Commercial Officer at Hoegh LNG, addressed how Hoegh LNG has contributed to displacing Russian gas through fast tracking two FSRU terminals in Germany. The focus of the presentation was on Hoegh LNG’s FSRUs as a technology providing safe and efficient LNG storage and regasification capacity. 

Sebastian Gröblinghoff, Managing Director at LIQVIS, raised the topic of the latest developments in a market environment impacted by an European energy crisis. In his presentation, he brought up the fact that the trust in LNG as alternative fuel massively suffered during 2022 due to exploding LNG prices and a lack of political support. The speaker listed the key elements to regain trust and pave the way for Bio-LNG.

Panel discussion 1: Developing Vehicles Mobility

During Panel discussion 1 expert speakers discussed the future of mobility and the use of LNG in transportation, and shared their experience of LNG infrastructure development. 

Philippe Heisch, Global Sales Manager LNG Distribution Systems at Cryostar, examined how Cryostar is participating in the democratization of liquefied biomethane as a fuel for trucks through full turnkey supply and the enhancement of driver experience through technology. 

Panel Discussion 2: Technologies to aid decarbonization in Road transportation

Increased use of LNG could accelerate the decarbonisation process in the transport sector. Mauro Nicoletti, Account Manager at Schmack Biogas, presented biogas and biomethane plants that can be replicated on European territory. He noted that Schmack Biogas offers full support to those who want to generate energy from biogas or biomethane. 

Session 3: Small-scale LNG: technology applications and case studies

Session 3 became one of the most exciting sessions at the Congress with representatives from CRYO INOX, Axegaz Trading & Technology, Techint Engineering & Construction, Saipem, and McDermott. 

Dietrich Roeben, Technical Director LNG at Axegaz Trading & Technology, presented case studies on local LNG production and virtual pipeline, import of LNG via small carriers and distribution in other countries. He spoke in detail about Axegaz's long experience in LNG as substitution fuel from various locations in Europe and projects in Africa and Asia. 

Roundtable: Bio-LNG and Synthetic LNG today and their decarbonization potential

During the roundtable, representatives from Titan, Elengy, Avenir, Baleària, Nordsol, and Snam4Mobility had an open dialogue about Bio-LNG infrastructure and the regulatory environment as powerful incentives to transition. Jippe van Eijnatten, Director Business Development at Titan, gave a presentation on decarbonization in the small-scale LNG value chain. He stressed that it is necessary to take into account accessibility, cost and emissions when evaluating whether the fuel pathway can effectively decarbonize shipping and other industries.

Closing Panel: Success cases of LNG deployment and LNG future strategies

Speakers from different parts of the world shared the results of their projects development to the Congress participants. Danielle Stoves, Commercial & Regulatory Director at Hanseatic Energy Hub,  focused on the future-flexible LNG terminal project in Stade. The new terminal for liquefied gases diversifies Germany’s import options for meeting affordable energy needs and contributes to a secure and sustainable supply. She noted that the hub will also be ready to import hydrogen-based energy sources in a second expansion stage.

Dainius Sivickis, Head of Business Development at Klaipedos nafta, spoke in detail about LNG projects enhancing energy security as Baltic Sea countries turned to developments of floating LNG terminals. Such context has significantly increased the importance of Klaipeda LNG terminal, which is currently the only gas supply alternative in the Baltic region. 

The LNGCON 2023 Exhibition featured more than 65 tech vendors, including IT service providers and equipment manufacturers. The Exhibition was the focal point for our attendees, the place they came to in search of new products and services for various stages of LNG operations. 

We keep the LNGCON tradition alive by hosting an unforgettable Gala Dinner. Our participants had the opportunity to enjoy local cuisine and wonderful wine in a unique atmosphere in Seifenfabrik | Dr. Thompson´s. The Congress attendees used these 3 extra hours to mingle with industry colleagues and friends, and had the perfect opportunity to strengthen connections with potential partners in a no-tie setting. The Gala Dinner programme was enriched by a traditional lottery with exciting presents from BGS Group and our partners & sponsors

We hope you enjoyed an inspiring, informative and engaging LNGCON this year! We would like to extend special thanks to our sponsors and partners. A big thank you to our Principal, Diamond and Platinum Sponsors: Cryostar, TSG Deutschland, Graforce and Chart Industries. 

The 10th International LNG Congress will be returning in 2024 to once again gather the whole LNG community for a high-end networking and intensive discussions on the most vital topics of the industry. We can't wait to welcome you on March 4-5, in Italy. Registration is already open! Learn more: https://bit.ly/3n9SCGH