Reviews & Ratings for the Independence

On January 28th, an unsettling bomb threat led to a temporary shutdown of Lithuania's liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal. The incident, initially alarming, was later confirmed as a hoax by Klaipedos Nafta, the operator of the terminal. Following the scare, the facility, which is equipped as a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) leased from Norway’s Hoegh LNG, is now in the process of resuming operations, as stated by a terminal spokeswoman. Opened just last year, the terminal made headlines when it welcomed its first commercial LNG delivery from Norway in late December. The bomb threat prompted an immediate evacuation and halted gas withdrawals starting at approximately 0900 GMT, demonstrating the heightened security measures in place at vital energy infrastructure.

On October 27, 2014, a momentous occasion unfolded in Klaipėda as Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė marked the arrival of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage vessel 'Independence'. According to the presidential press center, this innovative terminal stands as a cornerstone for Lithuania's energy and geopolitical security, cementing the nation's path towards energy self-sufficiency. The 'Independence' marks a significant achievement as the first strategic initiative to be successfully realized under the European Energy Security Strategy in the Baltic region. The welcoming ceremony brought together esteemed figures, including Prime Ministers from Lithuania and Latvia, members of the U.S. Senate, and representatives from Norway, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, and various EU institutions. In her address, President Grybauskaitė highlighted Lithuania's resilience and determination, stating, "In the twenty-fifth year of its re-independence, Lithuania again stands proud of its strong spirit, courage, and political will. The liquefied natural gas terminal is an important strategic project and a great victory for our state. It signifies not just energy independence, but also our political freedom. From this point forward, we will not allow others to dictate the price of gas or our political decisions." The President emphasized the transformative role of the Klaipėda LNG terminal, asserting it will be a security guarantee for the entire region, capable of meeting 90 percent of the gas supply requirements for the three Baltic States in times of need. Lithuania proudly stands as the first of the Baltic nations to construct a liquefied natural gas terminal, achieved in just three and a half years. This remarkable project serves as a testament to the nation's ambition and responsibility towards its future. Constructed in South Korea, the LNG storage vessel was brought to life through a collaboration between Norwegian company Höegh LNG and South Korean firm Hyundai Heavy Industries. As of now, Europe hosts 57 operational liquefied natural gas terminals, with Sweden being the sole neighboring nation to possess a similar facility. The President's unwavering support for the LNG initiative underlines its significance for Lithuania’s energy independence and regional security.

Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (HHI), recognized globally as the leading shipbuilder, proudly announced on February 20, 2014, the successful naming of the pioneering LNG floating storage regasification unit (LNG FSRU), termed Independence. This groundbreaking vessel, commissioned by Höegh LNG in June 2011, boasts a remarkable capacity of 170,000 cubic meters. Spanning 294 meters in length, 46 meters in width, and 26 meters in depth, the LNG FSRU can hold up to 70,000 tonnes of chilled natural gas. It has been contracted to serve Lithuania's Klaipedos Nafta under a long-term agreement. The naming ceremony took place in Ulsan, South Korea, and was honored by the presence of Ms. Dalia Grybauskaite, the President of Lithuania, along with Mr. Leif O. Höegh, the Deputy Chairman of Höegh LNG, and approximately 130 other distinguished guests. Mr. Lee Jai-seong, Chairman & CEO of Hyundai Heavy, expressed his optimism regarding the LNG FSRU's vital role in enhancing Lithuania's LNG supply, emphasizing the importance of ongoing collaboration for future energy infrastructure development.