The construction launch of Gate Terminal B.V.'s LNG Terminal

Toespraak | 30-06-2008

Speaking notes for Ms M.J.A. van der Hoeven, Minister of Economic Affairs, at the construction launch of Gate Terminal B.V.'s LNG Terminal, Rotterdam, 28 June 2008.
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Speaking notes for Ms M.J.A. van der Hoeven, Minister of Economic Affairs, at the construction launch of Gate Terminal B.V.'s LNG Terminal, Rotterdam, 28 June 2008

Ladies and gentlemen,

  • The English call it a 'sense of place'. Feeling where you are. And indeed, some places give you a clear sense of where you are standing. A sense of your history and your ambitions. The Maasvlakte is such a place. It's all about pioneering spirit, technical ingenuity and enterprise. I see and feel it around me here again today. And that gives me confidence.
  • Confidence is something we need right now, as we face perhaps the greatest energy challenge in our history. Nobuo Tanaka, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, has called for nothing less than a 'technological revolution' in energy. And he isn't overstating the case. We must drastically change the way we manage energy to ensure we have a secure supply of energy in the future. Energy that is both clean and affordable.
  • LNG will play a major role in the coming energy transition. The Netherlands wants to become the gas hub of North-West Europe. That will not be possible without LNG.
  • So I am delighted to be here celebrating with you today at this 'LNG party'. Many congratulations on this important step towards an ultra-modern LNG terminal!
  • This import terminal will make it possible to go on meeting demand for gas, even if our domestic supply runs out. In other words, you are helping us ensure a reliable gas supply. Not only for the Netherlands but also for our neighbours. The quantities of gas stored here will come from far and wide. Or to put it another way: from as far and wide as necessary!
  • The Netherlands is and will remain a gas nation. In the coming decades, we will make the transition from an exporting country to an importing country. LNG is well suited for import, and in large quantities too!
  • But there's more to it than quantity. The gas hub will safeguard security of supply, but of course, it is also a commercial project. If we want to be the nerve centre of an international gas network we will have to be smart in how we go about it.
  • We must ensure that the North-west European gas market operates as efficiently as possible. The more gas in the network, the more flexible and refined the market will be. That will require flexibility from you, but it will offer enormous business opportunities too.
  • Ladies and gentlemen, you are building something truly impressive here. And in your business that is a real achievement. Let's not forget that you are operating in a complex and fiercely competitive international market.
  • You show true entrepreneurial daring, and I respect that enormously.
  • Success - and particularly continuing success - will require every ounce of pioneering spirit, technical ingenuity and entrepreneurship you have over the next few years. But I am certain you will succeed in making this terminal the LNG hub of Europe!
  • I also see a role for the government here. You work in a predominantly international market. And it is vital that the market is as transparent as possible. I plan to work to achieve that.
  • It is also important that we build good relations with energy-producing countries. Where LNG is concerned, countries like Algeria, Egypt and Qatar. Energy-producing and consuming countries have reciprocal interests, and that is the message I take with me when I travel abroad. We simply can't do without one another.
  • Supply and demand must meet each other half way, and as far as I'm concerned, that is best done face to face. Last weekend in Jeddah, for example, I spoke to Algerian energy minister Chakib Khelil. He invited me to visit Algeria in early 2009. We intend to sign a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at cooperating on energy.
  • I feel a strong sense of involvement in your work. After all, your interests are my interests. I am keen to work with you on strengthening our position in the LNG market.
  • Back to this special place. Where the spirit of discovery and enterprise is palpable. The Maasvlakte as gateway to the Netherlands and the rest of Europe! I can't think of a better place for a terminal that aims to serve a continent. Again, I congratulate you, and I wish you every success for the future.