LBC Vlissingen: the green energy hub for Europe’s hydrogen future
We are excited to launch the open season for ammonia storage and ammonia cracking capacity at our state-of-the-art terminal, currently under development at the North Sea Port, Vlissingen, the Netherlands. Once completed, the terminal will be a cornerstone in Europe’s sustainable energy infrastructure, acting as a green energy hub that facilitates the import, storage, and transformation of ammonia into hydrogen.
Located at the entrance of the Westerschelde River in the ARA (Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp) region, the terminal will offer an initial capacity of 150,000 cubic meters of ammonia storage capacity, with future scalability to accommodate up to 3.5 million tons of ammonia annually.
"This open season is a significant step towards realizing our vision for LBC Vlissingen as a leading green energy hub," says Alexander Fokker, General Manager of the terminal. "By offering both ammonia storage and cracking capacity, we are positioning this terminal as a key enabler of Europe’s hydrogen economy, driving the clean energy transition with integrated and sustainable solutions."
We have successfully received the building permit for the quay wall and jetty in December 2024. This marks a key milestone for the project, and we are currently in an advanced stage of award of the environmental permit. The first phase of the project will focus on ammonia import and distribution, with a deep-water jetty designed to accommodate the latest generation of very large ammonia carriers. The terminal will also feature advanced ammonia handling and loading facilities for barges, with future plans for rail connectivity to extend the reach of ammonia across the European hinterland.
A pivotal element of the terminal’s development is the industrial-scale ammonia cracking facility, which will convert ammonia into hydrogen. Integrated into the terminal, this facility will provide a reliable hydrogen supply to meet Europe’s growing demand, with distribution via barges, and injection into the European Hydrogen Backbone.
"LBC Vlissingen is central to LBC’s long-term strategy," says Radboud Godron, Group Director Business Development New Energies. "It exemplifies our ongoing commitment to providing the infrastructure that will support the growth of clean energy, helping Europe reduce its carbon footprint and secure a sustainable energy future."
The LBC Vlissingen terminal is scheduled to begin operations in Q4 2028, with ammonia cracking capacity following shortly thereafter. This project is a key step in LBC’s ongoing commitment to providing the infrastructure necessary to support the energy transition.
We invite potential customers to participate in this open season to secure storage and cracking capacity at this innovative green energy hub. For more information and to express interest, please visit our website dedicated to this open season process. Submissions are open until 31 March 2025.
We look forward to partnering with you in shaping the future of hydrogen supply and contributing to Europe’s energy transition.