In 2023, over half of all LNG in Zeebrugge came from Russia

In the first 11 months of 2023, 51 per cent of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) arriving by tanker in Zeebrugge came from Russia, according to figures from the Federal Public Service (FPS) Economy.

In total, Belgium imported 120 terawatt hours (TWh) of LNG last year, according to gas network operator Fluxys. 29 per cent came from Qatar and 15 per cent from the US.

However, the FPS Economy notes that "a significant proportion" of the Russian LNG arriving in Zeebrugge is destined for transhipment and immediately leaves by ship for other destinations. By November 2023, a quarter of the LNG arriving at the Belgian port was re-exported by ship or truck.

Fluxys figures also show that last year Belgium exported more than twice as much gas to other countries as it consumed (357 TWh). Germany is the leading destination, with 212 TWh. Total gas consumption fell to 152.1 TWh last year, the lowest level since 1997.

In August, NGO Global Witness revealed that Europe imported more LNG in 2023 compared to 2022, with Belgium being the EU's third-biggest buyer. In October, around 20 Ukrainian and Belgian organisations protested in Brussels, calling for a European ban on the transhipment of Russian LNG.

^{#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}