Fluxys LNG - Subscription Window for 6.000 Additional LNG Truck Loading Services in 2025
Fluxys LNG is pleased to announce the launch of a Subscription Window for 6.000 additional slots in 2025. This Subscription Window is a new opportunity for our clients to further secure or increase their capacity for the upcoming year.
As outlined in the Terms and Conditions of this Subscription Window and illustrated below, the period for submitting a binding request will be open from Wednesday 30 October 2024 at 9:00 AM CET, until Wednesday 13 November 2024 at 12:00 PM CET (Noon).
The allocated capacities resulting from the subscription Window will be communicated to each participant individually on Friday 15 November at 6:00 PM CET at the latest.
Following the allocation, the effective scheduling of the secured capacities in the scheduling tool will start on Monday 18 November, at 9:00 AM CET.
Introduction of New Services in 2025
As announced on 9 October in a previous publication published on Fluxys Website, the year 2025 will see the gradual introduction of our new fully automated truck loading bays at our Zeebrugge LNG Terminal, which will give our customers the opportunity to use unassisted services.
Our long-term ambition remains to offer 20.000 yearly slots as soon as operationally possible and at the latest in January 2026. The current capacity will in a first step be limited to 14.000 slots in 2025 considering the transition from assisted to unassisted services and the training of the drivers. Following the 8.000 slots that have been already successfully offered and allocated to the market for next year, Fluxys LNG is now therefore organizing a Subscription Window for 6.000 additional slots in 2025.
As previously outlined, the new bays to be commercialised next year will be fully automated, introducing unassisted services to the market. These unassisted services will offer a more cost-effective option for our customers but will require truck drivers to complete proper training program and obtain prior approval. The existing assisted services will remain available, though they will require an additional booking and will not be accessible during all time windows. The illustration below depicts the aforementioned services with their respective tariffs being applicable for the current month of October (tariffs being indexed on a monthly basis).
Training Process for Drivers to use Unassisted Loadings Services
To become an Authorised Driver, the driver must successfully complete a structured training program consisting of a remote online training and three practical training sessions. The full procedure is illustrated and commented below:
As a first step, Drivers must follow remotely an online training consisting of several compulsory modules. Some of these modules end by a test whose result must be equal or greater than 80% to be validated. Once successfully completed, this online training gives access to the practical training.
Practical training for drivers is conducted by the Terminal Operator over three scheduled LNG Truck Loading Services:
- First Operation: The Terminal Operator performs the loading service while instructing the driver.
- Second Operation: The Terminal Operator and driver perform the loading service together.
- Third Operation: The driver performs the loading service by himself, under the supervision of the Terminal Operator.
For all three operations, clients must book the Loading Assistance service, which is available during designated working hours. For the third operation, the client must in addition book an LNG Truck Driver Authorisation Service (free of charge). Successful completion of the third operation along with meeting all operational and safety standards qualifies the driver as an Authorized Driver.
Once obtained, authorization remains valid for three years. However, if a driver does not complete an unassisted LNG Truck Loading Service within six months, the authorization expires. The renewal procedure consists of performing the third practical session previously mentioned.
Scheduling Capacities for 2025
The introduction of non-assisted service implies relatively significant changes in the schedule which are reflected in the following illustration:
As depicted, three different types of slots will be made available for 2025:
- Unassisted Slots: basic Truck Loading Service where only authorized drivers can autonomously load their trucks without any assistance provided
- Assisted Slots: hybrid loading service combining a simple Truck Loading Service for authorized drivers on top of which a Truck Loading Assistance Service can be booked for drivers who are not yet authorized
- Driver Training: slot dedicated solely for drivers’ practical training sessions. If not scheduled upfront, the slot will become available for Unassisted and Assisted Slots as well. Terminal Operator will make this assessment at least 7 days upfront.
As previously mentioned, the new 2025 capacity will in a first step be limited to 14.000 slots considering the transition from assisted to unassisted services. More precisely, the priority will be to focus on the training of the drivers to ensure a well-managed and effective transition towards adoption of unassisted services. As important resources and support from the Terminal Operator will be required, some scheduling constraints will be mainly set during night hours and weekends in Q1 2025.
Considering the aforementioned constraints and to accommodate for the additional capacity of 6.000 slots throughout the year, the schedule will be adapted accordingly and will be organized as depicted hereunder.
In terms of scheduling capacities, the abovementioned distribution implies that approximately 500 additional time slots will be opened in Q1 2025 and at least 5.600 during Q2-Q4 2025. Depending on the evolution of the training and the transition phase, some additional scheduling opportunities could be made available during the year.
How can you Subscribe to the Offered Services
- Read the Terms & Conditions (T&C’s) linked to this Subscription Window;
- Register as a participant by filling out the Service Request Form for Contracting (SRFC). Submit the binding request for capacity to info.lng@fluxys.com as from 30 October 2024 9 AM CET until 13 November 2024 – 12 PM CET (Noon).
Not yet a Truck Loading customer at Zeebrugge?
Sign a free LNG Agreement for LNG Truck loading (LTL) by completing the following steps:
- Make a request to receive the LTL by sending a completed Know-Your-Customer Form (“KYC”) to info.lng@fluxys.com;
- The requesting party will receive a signed version of the LTL after Terminal Operator has carried out a positive internal assessment of all information required in the KYC;
- Return to Terminal Operator one duly signed and initialed copy of the LTL.
Step number 3 needs to be completed before the end of the Subscription Window (13 November 12:00 CET) in order to participate by sending a valid binding request.
More information?
Feel free to contact your Key Account Manager or send your questions to info.lng@fluxys.com.