Lithuanian President welcomes LNG storage vessel "Independence" in Klaipėda
On October 27, 2014, Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė attended the welcoming ceremony for the arrival of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage vessel "Independence" in Klaipėda, the presidential press center says. This terminal is a guarantor of energy and geopolitical security that will ensure energy self-sufficiency and security of Lithuania.
This is the first strategic project under the European Energy Security Strategy successfully implemented in the Baltic region.
Taking part in the welcoming ceremony also are Prime Ministers of Lithuania, Latvia, members of the U.S. Senate, representatives from Norway, Estonia, Finland, Sweden and other EU member states and EU institutions.
"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 of our state. It is not only energy independence, but also political freedom. From now on, nobody will dictate us the price for gas or buy our political will," the President said.
According to President Grybauskaitė, the Klaipėda LNG terminal will play a very special role - it will be a security guarantee for the whole region. If necessary, it will be able to cover 90 percent of the three Baltic States' gas supply needs.
Lithuania, the first of the Baltic States, has built a liquefied natural gas terminal. It took only three and a half years to implement this project. The LNG terminal, according to the President, is further proof that we can seek ambitious goals and stand responsible for the future of Lithuania.
The LNG storage vessel was built for Lithuania in South Korea by Norwegian company Höegh LNG in association with South Korean company Hyundai Heavy Industries. 57 liquefied natural gas terminals operate in Europe. Sweden is the only of our neighboring countries to have such a facility.
The President has consistently encouraged and supported the implementation of the LNG project, the statement says.
