Gasum has further expanded its coverage in the Antwerp, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam (ARA) region by securing an LNG distribution licence for the Belgian market.

The new licence, obtained on March 17, includes the port of Zeebrugge — one of Europe's leading pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) hubs.

Commenting on the news, Jacob Granqvist, Vice President Maritime at Gasum, remarked: "Obtaining this license underlines Gasum's commitment to act as a reliable European maritime LNG supplier and enabler of maritime decarbonization. It also supports our growth strategy and enables us to deliver safe and clean energy, which helps our customers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions considerably. Moreover, the significance of the ARA region and Zeebrugge as a bunkering hub is likely to increase, which makes it a strategically important area for Gasum."

Back in November, Gasum relocated its 7,500-cubic-metre delivery vessel Kairos to the ARA region in a move designed to meet the needs of existing clients in northern Continental Europe as well as new customers.

The latest development in Belgium would appear to be in line with Granqvist's comments in July 2020, when he revealed that the company had projects planned for Belgium and The Netherlands, as well as Germany and Poland — as part of Gasum's "commitment to expand our geographical footprint in continental Europe".