Advario: new ammonia import capacity in Belgium

New import terminal in Antwerp-Brugge

Along with project partner Fluxys, Advario is studying the feasibility of developing an open-access ammonia import terminal at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. Fluxys, Advario Stolthaven Antwerp (a 50:50 joint venture with Stolthaven Terminals) and Advario Gas Terminal intend to have terminal operations beginning in 2027, with the terminal positioned to allow for utility-scale storage and “multimodal sendout solutions”, plus a cracking facility. The terminal will also connect to Fluxys’ under-development hydrogen pipeline network to ensure supply throughout northwest Europe.

Together with Stolthaven Terminals, our longstanding partner in Antwerp, we are very excited about this partnership with Fluxys. This new relationship is all about combining our strengths, know-how and experience to develop the logistics infrastructure required to accelerate the energy transition. As partners we are strongly united by our shared vision of playing a leading role in addressing climate change.

Bas Verkooijen, CEO Advario in his organisation’s official press release, 31 Aug 2022

Port of Antwerp-Bruges is ready to receive sustainable molecules. As ammonia is one of the most efficient hydrogen carriers known, it will play a crucial role in the energy transition. The collaboration between Fluxys and Advario and the joint development of a green ammonia import terminal fully contributes to this goal. This is again an important step in the energy transition and in achieving a climate-neutral industry in our port.

Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Advario’s official press release, 31 Aug 2022

“Impressed” by safety approach

The Hydrogen Council recently visited Advario Gas Terminal’s existing facilities in Antwerp-Brugge. Although Advario does not currently store ammonia at either of its existing Belgian terminals, operational experience in China will be valuable moving forward. During the Hydrogen Council visit, safety was the main topic of conversation:

I enjoyed our discussions and liked what I saw at AGT. The site does not store ammonia yet, so I focused on getting a feel for the safety culture, overall level of maintenance and the way the team prepares for the potential addition of ammonia storage. The Advario team at AGT is obviously well-prepared, possesses the know-how with regards to technology and engineering capability, and is well-aware of the nature of ammonia. I am impressed.

Andrei Tchouvelev, Director Safety & Regulatory at the Hydrogen Council in his organisation’s official press release, 8 Feb 2024

I am appreciative of Andrei’s kind words…Advario knows what it takes to safely and efficiently handle ammonia. At our terminal in Nanjing, China, we have designed, built and operated a large-scale ammonia storage facility, which has been operational since 2017. Pairing that with AGT’s experience safely handling a wide variety of gases and strong track record operating refrigerated storage, we look forward to taking the next step, and contribute to the further development of the hydrogen ecosystem.

Michel Ruttens, Advario’s Vice President of Technology in the Hydrogen Council’s official press release, 8 Feb 2024