LNG terminal Rügen: Is there a risk of a permanent halt to operations?

LNG terminal Rügen: Is there a risk of a permanent halt to operations?

The discussion about the LNG terminal in the port of Mukran on Rügen is becoming increasingly heated. Again Uckermark courier reported, the operator of the terminal submitted data on air pollutants and noise emissions on time. This applies in particular to the measurement data for the special ship FSRU Neptune, including the diesel generators, until June 2025. The technical examination of this data has now largely been completed, but there is enormous resistance.

The German Environmental Aid (DUH) sharply criticizes the fact that it is unclear whether all the necessary information on air pollution control and noise pollution is actually available. Environment Minister Till Backhaus has been asked to make the evidence publicly available. Otherwise, the DUH demands, a stop to operations must be ordered if the measurement data is still missing. The deadline for operation without shore power has been extended to December 31, 2025, but the DUH sees this as a scandal. She accuses the authorities of having “quietly and secretly” extended the terminal’s continued operation.

Balance sheet after one year

In April 2025, the DUH took stock and described the project as a failure of energy and climate policy. When the gas was fed in in 2024, only 1.3 billion cubic meters of natural gas, i.e. around 1.5 percent of German gas consumption, were injected. Terminal utilization fell from 14% to 7% in the first quarter compared to the previous year. A charter contract for one of the LNG terminal ships was even terminated in January 2025.

According to the DUH, what is particularly problematic is the fact that the operation not only puts a strain on Rügen and the surrounding nature, but also affects their quality of life. Noise pollution, water and air pollution cannot be brought under control by those responsible. It was also announced that shore power connections to reduce noise and pollutants have been canceled, while climate-damaging fracking gas from the USA continues to arrive.

Legal uncertainties and environmental legislation

The approval process for LNG terminals is being discussed in the political arena. Loud Bundestag Energy Minister Robert Habeck plans to speed up the planning and approval procedures for the construction of liquid gas terminals. However, voices are being raised that fear that exceptions to European law could neglect environmental and nature conservation aspects.

Environmental groups in particular demand that exemptions only apply to floating terminals and that land-based terminals should be subject to stricter requirements. While the coalition tends to accept, the criticism from both the Union and the Left faction is clear: the draft is viewed as oversized and lacks the necessary transparency.

So the question remains what will happen next with the LNG terminal in Mukran. The debate is in full swing and it appears that both environmental and political pressure will increase to bring about a change in thinking.