Wilhelmshaven LNG terminal approved to use chlorine cleaning

Authorities have approved the use of chlorine for cleaning the pipelines of the second floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. The decision, effective as of August 24, 2026, follows the technical failure of a previously planned ultrasound cleaning method intended to prevent algae and mussel growth in the seawater systems.

The transition to ultrasound technology on the specialized vessel ‘Excelsior’ resulted in additional costs estimated in the low single-digit millions before the system failed to meet required performance standards. Consequently, the German Energy Terminal (DET) company, in coordination with the Lower Saxony Ministry for the Environment and the State Agency for Water Management, Coastal and Nature Conservation (NLWKN), received permission to revert to chemical cleaning.

Under the new permit, approximately 170 million cubic meters of chlorine-containing process water may be discharged into the Jade estuary annually. While the authorities stated the approval includes strict requirements and environmental monitoring to allow for climate-friendly regasification, the Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) has expressed concerns regarding the environmental risks of discharging biocides into the sea.