Image: Skangas

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The first shipload of LNG to the Manga LNG terminal in Tornio, northern Finland, arrived on November 19 via the Skangas-operated Coral Energy.

Commenting on the news, Skangas CEO Kimmo Rahkamo, said: "It's a historic moment to receive the first LNG shipment to Northern Finland. We're strengthening Finland's energy independence and our position as a leading LNG player in the Nordic countries."

The Lapland LNG import terminal is a joint venture comprising Outokumpu, SSAB Europe, EPV Energy and Skangas. Once completed (slated for the summer of 2018), the import terminal will be the second LNG terminal in Finland and the largest in the Nordic region.

The new facility will enable deliveries outside the gas pipeline network to be carried out to marine and road transport firms as well as industrial customers.

In order to meet the needs of LNG-fuelled ships, an LNG logistics chain infrastructure is to be completed at the site. Maritime transport customers will include LNG-powered cargo ships and the new icebreaker Polaris.

Wartsila, the company responsible for project construction, is currently preparing the terminal for commissioning. Construction is said to have progressed according to schedule. The project's total investment is around EUR 110 million.

Commercial deliveries to customers such as Outokumpu Tornio Works, EPV Energy and SSAB Raahe are due to begin in the summer of 2018.

"We're increasing the competitiveness of our steel mill by switching from propane to LNG. At the same time, we're reducing our production costs thanks to more stable energy prices. Our aim is to cut our direct carbon dioxide emissions by 2020, and switching to LNG supports this target very well," explained Martti Sassi, Senior Vice President, Head of Operations, Tornio, from Outokumpu.

"The terminal construction project has been a great success. Almost 1,400 people have taken part in construction work on the site. Finishing work and preparation for commissioning for customer use are now taking place at the terminal," said Wartsila Business Development Manager Timo Mahlanen.