Shakespeare Martineau advise on phase II launch for Grain LNG

In May 2020, Grain LNG, the operator of the leading LNG importation terminal in the UK, launched the second phase of its “open season” process, offering primary capacity to the market from July 2025.

The Grain LNG terminal allows companies who have contracted for capacity to bring in liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargos from overseas, for storage at the terminal and eventual regasification for delivery into the GB gas network.  The capacity offered under this open season process is being released to coincide with expiry of the long-term contracts that underpinned the terminal’s construction and development back in 2005.

Located in Kent at the Medway estuary, the Grain LNG terminal is the largest LNG importation terminal in Europe, with 1,000,000m³ of storage and the capacity to process approximately 14.8 million tonnes of LNG each year and deliver to the GB gas network the equivalent of 25% of the UK’s gas demand.   As such, Grain LNG plays a critical role for the UK consumer in ensuring security, and also diversity, of supply.

Throughout the project, Grain LNG was supported by two members of Shakespeare Martineau’s energy and projects team, partner Andrew Whitehead and legal director Chandni Ruparelia. Both have worked with the Grain LNG team, over an extensive period, to develop the contractual terms which underpin the capacity products on offer, and supported throughout the regulatory approval process.

Senior Commercial Manager at Grain LNG, Nicola Duffin, who has been leading the process, commented, “The support and expertise we received from Shakespeare Martineau throughout this complex and challenging process has been invaluable.  Andrew and Chandni have been highly responsive and have shown a strong understanding of the commercial context, whilst providing us with objective advice.”

Andrew Whitehead, head of energy and utilities, commented, “This exciting and challenging project, which will do much to help secure the country’s security and diversity of supply, has been one of the highlights of our energy infrastructure work over the last 12 months.  We’ve been delighted to support Nicola and her team at long-standing client Grain LNG, and are looking forward to a successful conclusion to the process for all concerned.”

Contact us
For further information please contact Andrew Whitehead, Chandni Ruparelia or another member of the energy team.

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