Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs, Maria van der Hoeven, said in Qatar, “We are interested in Qatari gas. After the completion of our regasification terminal in a few years, we will be able to receive LNG from Qatar.”There are three proposed Dutch terminals currently, Eemshaven, GATE, and Lion-Gas Terminal, each of which is anticipated to come online in the next five years. The most advanced terminal, the $1.1 billion GATE terminal being developed by Gasunie, Vopak, andE.ON, is nearing the construction phase currently. The terminal developers reached a final investment decision back in December 2007. Van der Hoeven also noted Holland’s interest in spot cargoes: “[w]e would like to welcome LNG tankers from Qatar to Rotterdam. LNG would enable us to diversify and buy gas from new suppliers like Qatar. Besides, it would also give an impulse to the development of a spot market.”
