German authorities and Deutsche ReGas are dealing with the impact of severe winter conditions in the Baltic Sea, where heavy ice coverage and technical issues with an icebreaker have affected operations at one of Germany’s LNG import terminals.
The terminal is based on the floating storage and regasification unit Neptune, a 145,000-cubic-meter vessel deployed by Deutsche ReGas at Mukran. Some reports suggested that gas supplies at the terminal had been depleted, temporarily halting operations, but the company stated that the terminal remains fully operational despite difficult weather conditions.
According to German broadcaster NDR, unusually strong ice formation has been observed along the Baltic coast since early February. Ice thickness in some areas exceeds 30 centimeters, while pressure ridges created by wind have produced ice accumulations approaching one meter.
Germany’s Waterways and Shipping Administration deployed the federal icebreaker Neuwerk to assist navigation. However, the vessel reportedly suffered technical problems on February 12, including reduced power in one engine, which limited its ability to operate in heavy ice. The icebreaker was sent to Rostock for inspection, while the chartered tug VB Bremen Fighter was assigned to assist operations.
Built in 1998, Neuwerk has a displacement of about 3,000 tons and is designed to operate in ice up to 50 centimeters thick. The vessel, considered the most powerful federal icebreaker in Germany, had been reassigned from the North Sea to the Baltic to reinforce winter operations.
Despite the challenges, LNG deliveries are continuing. Deutsche ReGas released images showing the LNG carrier Maran Gas Nice being escorted through ice while completing a successful delivery to the Mukran terminal.
Another LNG carrier, Minerva Amorgas, remains offshore awaiting improved ice conditions to safely approach the floating terminal. Reports suggest access may not be possible until later in the week.
The situation comes as Germany’s gas storage levels are reported to be at their lowest point since 2013. Following the war in Ukraine, Germany accelerated the development of floating LNG terminals on both its western coast and in Mukran to support energy security. While previous winters saw reports of excess import capacity, current conditions highlight the operational challenges posed by extreme weather and ледовые ограничения.
