What Crew Members Say About Hoegh-Esperanza

As the LNG terminal in Wilhelmshaven prepares for its grand opening on the weekend of December 17 and 18, 2022, heightened security protocols will be implemented to ensure a smooth transition. The LNG tanker "Höegh Esperanza," which will be transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG), is set to be escorted by police from the 12-mile maritime limit on December 15, guiding it safely to the terminal's pier. Additional security personnel will be stationed onshore to safeguard both the vessel and the terminal operations. In the vicinity of the Voslapper Groden handling facility, operated by Uniper, several road closures will take effect from December 14 through December 17, particularly impacting the Baederst area. Furthermore, authorities have imposed a no-fly zone for drones until December 17, responding to concerns about potential disruptions from climate activists. The extensive security measures will remain in effect until after the terminal's inauguration ceremony, which is expected to attract notable figures including Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens), and Lower Saxony's Prime Minister Stephan Weil (SPD). Gas is anticipated to start flowing from the terminal into the German grid beginning December 22. The "Höegh Esperanza" plays a critical role as a floating storage unit, facilitating the conversion of LNG into gaseous form, which is then pumped ashore. Following the inaugural delivery, additional LNG tankers are scheduled to arrive in Wilhelmshaven starting mid-January 2023.

German Environmental Aid (DUH) is sounding the alarm regarding potential environmental risks associated with the LNG terminal in Wilhelmshaven. They are urging for an immediate environmental impact assessment, citing the possibility of a creeping chemical accident. Documents reveal that Uniper, the company behind the terminal, plans to release biocide levels into the North Sea that are ten times higher than what Australian authorities deemed acceptable at similar sites. The 'Höegh Esperanza,' a storage ship chartered by the Federal Ministry of Economics for this project, failed a 2021 environmental assessment in Australia due to non-compliance with international standards. The DUH has criticized the responsible ministry for facilitating the introduction of biocides near the sensitive Wadden Sea and Jade through recent legislative changes. They are advocating for amendments to the LNG Acceleration Act and the Water Resources Act. However, Lower Saxony's Environment Minister has assured that stringent environmental standards will be upheld during the LNG terminal’s construction, supported by various expert opinions to ensure compliance.

On July 29, 2021, at 6 p.m., the LNG carrier 'Hoegh Esperanza' encountered difficulties while navigating the Rio de la Plata, running aground at kilometer 143.90 in the Punta Indio Canal, specifically 1,000 meters from buoy BRL-143. The vessel was on its way to Buenos Aires from Corpus Christi when it became stuck in sandy and muddy conditions outside the fairway. Initial efforts to refloat the ship with the assistance of a tugboat were unsuccessful. The situation was further complicated by the joint efforts of the Argentine Naval Prefecture vessels, 'GC-75 Bahia Blanca' and 'GC-73 Cabo Corrientes,' which responded to the incident. A turning point occurred on July 30 at 7:30 p.m. when the tug 'Madrugador' successfully refloated the 'Hoegh Esperanza' thanks to the rising tide. After regaining mobility, the ship was escorted by Coast Guard cutters to the La Plata anchorage, where it securely moored at 6:25 a.m. on July 31, positioned at 34° 43.34' N, 057° 53.04' W for cargo inspections ahead of unloading.