The Polish gas transmission system operator Gaz-System has announced it has taken FID for the LNG Lech Kaczynski terminal expansion in Swinoujscie. The existing facilities were commissioned in 2016 and consist of 2.5 bcm/year regasification trains, two 160,000 m3 storage tanks and can receive LNG carriers of up to 217,000 m3.
Once the upgrade completed, the terminal's regasification capacity will increase from the current 5 bcm/y up to 7.5 bcm/y. The scope of work is still under discussion. The plan includes an increase of the existing regasification system and a tender will be launched after the building permit is obtained. In the meantime, the company is also keen on adding new functionalities to the terminal and could develop loading and bunkering services.
In March 2017, Gaz-System also announced the completion of the tendering procedure regarding the Gdansk Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) terminal feasibility study. This FSRU project is strategic for the Polish economy since it would allow the country to import from 4.1 up to 8.1 bcm/year of LNG to Poland and the neighbouring countries and to further reduce Poland's dependence on Russian gas. The floating unit is expected to supply Poland's grid with regasified natural gas but could also reload LNG to smaller tankers or to bunkering gas-fueled vessels.