Vopak floating gas terminal proposal at Avalon takes next step

A proposal for another controversial floating gas terminal off the Avalon coastline has come before the state government.

The Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) ship 'Hoegh Esperanza' is docked during the opening ceremony of the Uniper Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal at the Jade Bight in Wilhelmshave. (Photo by Axel Heimken / AFP)

A proposal for another controversial floating gas terminal off the Avalon coastline has come before the state government.

Dutch fuel storage giant Vopak announced on Tuesday it had submitted a proposal for an LNG import terminal in Port Phillip Bay, with a subsea pipeline to the shore.

The state government confirmed it had received a referral for the project, and will determine whether an environmental effects statement is required.

It’s anticipated the project could be operational by 2026 if approved, and would operate for at least a decade.

Victoria Energy Terminal managing director Rolf Brouwer said the project would provide “energy security” to Australian homes.

“We welcome the opportunity to continue our dialogue with the community and stakeholders to gain an understanding of their priorities,” he said.

“This engagement has helped guide key aspects of the project in Port Phillip Bay, together with the necessary associated infrastructure. Vopak will continue to work with communities and key stakeholders to inform the project.”

If approved, the terminal would be located 19km offshore from Avalon in the southwest of Port Phillip Bay.

The company said on Tuesday no dredging would be required as part of the project, and would be lodged at an existing anchorage site.

“The Victoria Energy Terminal project offers a low-impact solution to the predicted shortfalls in the supply of natural gas to the state as we transition towards our renewable energy future and achieve zero net carbon by 2050,” Mr Brouwer said.

But Geelong Renewables Not Gas said the regional community had already come out strongly against the Vopak project and similar proposals.

“The people of Geelong have already spoken through Viva’s inquiry and said they did not want a gas terminal,” he said.

“It’s clear our environment cannot afford more fossil fuel projects.”

A recent petition against the Viva Energy proposal for a similar floating LNG terminal in Corio Bay attracted more than 2000 signatures and hundreds of submissions to its state inquiry process.

“The concerns at the heart of this campaign including climate change impacts, safety, human health and the marine environment are unchanged,” Mr Dunn said.

“Gas is not a transition fuel, and we don’t need it. Renewables can fulfil all of our needs.”

Originally published as Vopak floating gas terminal proposal at Avalon takes next step