JetGas has signed an agreement with the Estonian seaport for setting up a liquefied methane facility in the Muuga Harbour.

Upon final completion by 2030, the terminal - covering some 7,000 square metres in the eastern part of Muuga - will feature up to five storage tanks and a quay-connecting pipe. The first tank is expected to be erected by end-2027.

The Port of Tallinn and JetGas signed the terminal deal for 30 years.

"The construction of the liquefied methane terminal is the result of a tender process initiated last spring, the aim of which was to find new operators for vacant areas of the Muuga Harbour. The new terminal and cooperation with JetGas, as a long-term player in the energy products market, will bring us additional vessel calls and cargo volumes, and will create opportunities for the transport sector when switching to more environmentally friendly fuels," highlighted Valdo Kalm, Chairman of the Port of Tallinn's Management Board.

JetGas' Management Board's Chair, Janek Parkman, added, "The construction of the new liquefied methane terminal in the Muuga Harbour will allow us to obtain primarily bioLNG [bio liquefied natural gas], but also other methane fuels in larger consignments from the world market, resulting in cheaper prices and better security of supply."

Earlier, in late September 2024, the Port of Tallinn signed a memorandum of understanding with the US-based Protio for the production of e-fuels (e-methanol, sustainable aviation fuel, and potentially e-NG) at the Muuga Harbour. Kalm commented on the occasion, "Switching to alternative fuels for ships reduces greenhouse gases (GHGs), improves air quality, and helps protect the marine environment. The goal of the Port of Tallinn is to achieve climate neutrality and zero emissions from ships docked at the port by 2050. Increasing the availability of alternative fuels allows shipping to become more environmentally friendly and reduces the carbon footprint of ports."

Photo: Port of Tallinn