Port Taranaki is ready to support the establishment of an in-port LNG import facility, following the Government’s confirmation today it will continue with the procurement process.
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced two projects have been shortlisted and both are located at Port Taranaki.
“An LNG import facility will be a critical asset for New Zealand’s ongoing energy security and resilience, while the availability of LNG fuel for firming will also support the build-out of more renewable generation projects, allowing the time and space for these projects to progress,” Port Taranaki chief executive Simon Craddock said.
Mr Craddock said Port Taranaki had been working with MBIE and prospective developers throughout the procurement process, providing port-specific information as required.
“We’re pleased the two shortlisted projects both utilise Port Taranaki, with our access to gas transmission pipelines, our energy infrastructure and facilities, decades of experience supporting the energy sector, and our experience and skills in handling oil and gas products.
“Regionally, there is deep knowledge and understanding of the energy industry here, and a world-class skillbase that can be tapped into and utilised.”
Mr Craddock said while MBIE continued with the procurement process, Port Taranaki was not in a position to comment further on where in the port the proposals were located or whether infrastructural upgrades would be required and possible costs.
Mr Craddock said safety would be central to a project proceeding.
“We understand and recognise there is some concern in the community about the safety of an LNG facility at Port Taranaki.
“Operating on behalf of the community and as part of the community, safety is a priority in all Port Taranaki operations.
“The shipping, storage and transfer of petrochemicals at Port Taranaki, such as LPG, methanol, road fuel, crude and condensate, always follows strict safety procedures and adheres to international safety protocols,” he said.
“Before we support a particular concept for an LNG facility at Port Taranaki, we will require assurances from appropriately qualified environmental and safety experts and regulators that it will meet all applicable safety and environmental standards.
“We will also put environmental impact analysis, and safety cases covering hazard analysis, prevention, and emergency response, under scrutiny.”
Mr Craddock said Port Taranaki and MBIE had worked with mana whenua throughout and would continue to do so.
“As with other port projects or work, Port Taranaki, along with MBIE in this instance, is consulting and working with Ngāti Te Whiti hapū and value their input,” he said.
You can read the Minister's media release here:
https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/securing-affordable-energy-lng-keep-lights-and-protect-jobs
For more information about LNG, including safety, click here:
