Murkan, germany – A minor grounding incident involving the Norwegian LNG tanker, Iberica Knutsen, has reignited the debate over GermanyS rapid expansion of LNG import terminals. The vessel, briefly grounded outside the port of Murkan on Thursday, May 22, prompting environmentalists to criticize the country’s reliance on these facilities.

The Iberica Knutsen, operated by Knutsen Group and built in 2006, was en route from Sabine Pass in the U.S., carrying a full load of natural gas. The tanker, measuring 909 feet (277 meters) with an operating draft of 37 feet (11.4 meters), has a capacity of 138,000 cubic meters, a standard size for LNG carriers.

Eyewitness Account and Immediate Response

A local resident provided a firsthand account of the incident to Berliner Zeitung, stating he was making coffee around 6:00 a.m. when he noticed that the tanker was in a place where it shouldn’t be and that it was moving strangely. The resident added, I immediately suspected it was stuck.

According to reports, three tugs worked for approximately an hour to free the LNG tanker. The German water police (Wasserschutzpolizei) also responded to the scene. after being freed, the tugs escorted the vessel to a nearby anchorage. The Wasserschutzpolizei has ordered the vessel to remain anchored pending a hull survey.

Environmental Concerns and Calls for Review

Despite the incident being relatively minor, it has fueled renewed calls for Germany to halt LNG imports. Critics argue that the terminals were established hastily in response to the need to replace Russian gas supplies. The Murkan terminal, located near the popular resort island of Rügen, is particularly controversial as it is the only privately developed terminal, established by deutsche regas.

Sascha Müller-Kraenner,Federal Managing Director of DUH (German Environmental aid),emphasized the need for immediate action:

today’s incident demonstrates that there is an urgent need to catch up on Rügen.We have long been pointing out the safety risks associated with LNG delivery and the operation of the terminal.
Sascha Müller-Kraenner, Federal Managing Director of DUH

Müller-Kraenner further stated, We demand an immediate halt to further deliveries and an autonomous review of the safety concepts at this site.

Terminal Utilization and Economic Factors

Critics also contend that the Murkan terminal is underutilized and unneeded, citing data indicating it operates at only five percent of its capacity. Deutsche regas attributes this low utilization partly to unfair competition from state-sponsored terminals, leading the company to reduce operations and end the charter of an FSRU terminal.

Germany’s Energy Strategy and the Role of LNG

Germany relies on LNG import capabilities to compensate for the cessation of gas imports from Russia, which previously arrived via pipelines. The country successfully stockpiled gas, particularly from the U.S., to meet winter heating demands. While committed to ending Russian imports, Germany recognizes the critical role of FSRU terminals in ensuring a stable energy supply.