Deutsche ReGas has commenced trial operations of the LNG terminal located on Rügen island in Germany.

The move is part of Germany's strategy to enhance its energy security amidst the ongoing European energy crisis.

The regasification vessel Energos Power, carrying LNG from Norway, is docked at the industrial port of Mukran following the approval from state authorities for an early start to operations.

Deutsche ReGas supervisory board chairman Stephan Knabe said: “Natural gas from Mukran will be fed into the German gas pipeline network 'this winter'.”

The trial operation's objective is to thoroughly test and commission all the necessary systems onshore and aboard the ship.

Eastern Germany’s Special Government Commissioner Carsten Schneider was quoted by Bloomberg News as saying: “This will secure Germany’s energy independence and the production capacity of many companies.

“The fact that the terminal could be built and the necessary pipelines laid within just a few months is proof of Germany’s new pace and should set an example for other infrastructure projects.”

Deutsche ReGas said the Energos Power vessel is the first of two planned regasification ships for the terminal.

The second LNG regasification vessel, Neptune, is scheduled to leave Lubmin port in the spring ( March–June) this year and, following refitting, will commence operations at Mukran in the summer (June–September) this year.

The terminal and its associated pipeline works have faced opposition from environmental groups and residents of Rügen island, which is known for its tourism and as a habitat for protected seabirds.