The Dunkerque LNG terminal, operational since January 2017, has a regasification capacity of 13 billion cubic meters (bcm) per year. It is the largest LNG receiving and regasification facility in France and one of the most significant in Europe. Notably, it is the only terminal on the continent with direct access to two markets, supplying both France and Belgium. This feature positions it as a strategic hub for meeting Europe’s energy security requirements.
Asterion emphasized that this acquisition enhances its presence in France and builds upon the firm’s industrial expertise, execution efficiency, and market knowledge. The investment represents the fourth for Asterion’s Fund III and marks the start of a new partnership with Fluxys, the majority shareholder of the terminal and a leading European infrastructure group.
Jesús Olmos, Founding Partner and CEO of Asterion Industrial Partners, said: “We are excited to partner with Fluxys and other shareholders on this critical infrastructure asset. We look forward to contributing our commercial and technical skillset to the Company’s long-term operational success story and prominence in the European energy landscape.”
The Dunkerque LNG terminal is recognized as one of the most modern in Europe. Its design incorporates advanced technical capabilities and measures to reduce CO2 emissions. One notable feature of its environmental strategy is the use of recycled warm water from a nearby nuclear plant for LNG regasification. Asterion highlighted this as part of the terminal’s broader ESG approach to reducing environmental impact.
According to the Spanish firm, the growing global demand for natural gas, along with the expansion of supply routes, has contributed to rapid growth in LNG imports. European terminals are therefore seeing higher utilization rates, underlining their strategic role in energy supply. Asterion noted that these facilities provide Europe with diversified and dependable access to international energy sources, strengthening resilience against potential disruptions while supporting the transition to cleaner energy.
Pascal De Buck, Managing Director and CEO of Fluxys, commented: “Fluxys is proud of the progress achieved since becoming a core shareholder in the Dunkerque LNG terminal. We are delighted to welcome Asterion as a partner and are excited to work together to build upon this success, and further cement the terminal’s position as a key infrastructure in the future European energy landscape.”
With this acquisition, Asterion underscores the importance of regasification hubs such as Dunkerque LNG in ensuring energy security and maintaining reliable supply in Europe’s evolving energy framework.
