Italian Energy Player Snam to Launch New Floating Storage Regasification Unit
Italian energy giant Snam is set to commence commercial operations at a floating storage regasification unit (FSRU) off the coast of Ravenna next month. This new vessel will become Italy’s fifth liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification terminal, marking a significant milestone in the country’s energy infrastructure.
BW Singapore Ready for Action
The FSRU, named BW Singapore, has successfully completed all plant commissioning activities ahead of schedule, as reported by Snam. Once the final authorizations are obtained, the regasification activities are scheduled to begin in May through competitive auction procedures.
Enhancing Italy’s Energy Capacity
With a storage capacity of 170,000 cubic meters of liquefied gas, the BW Singapore will significantly boost Italy’s regasification capacity. Moored 8.5 kilometers off the coast of Ravenna, the FSRU will have an annual regasification capacity of 5 billion cubic meters, contributing to 45% of the country’s gas demand.
Continued Focus on LNG
Snam believes that LNG will play a crucial role in diversifying Italy’s energy system. In 2024, LNG accounted for a quarter of Italy’s gas demand, with shipments from various countries arriving at the country’s four regasification terminals.
Moreover, the first four months of 2025 witnessed the arrival of around 60 gas carriers in Italy, with a significant portion coming from the USA, Qatar, and African countries. This influx of gas carriers amounted to nearly 6 billion cubic meters, showcasing the importance of LNG in meeting Italy’s energy needs.
Expanding Italy’s Energy Infrastructure
With the addition of the BW Singapore FSRU, Italy’s regasification capacity is set to increase by 28 billion cubic meters per year. This development underscores Italy’s commitment to diversifying its energy sources and ensuring a reliable supply of natural gas for its citizens.
Overall, the introduction of the new FSRU represents a significant step forward for Italy’s energy sector, further solidifying the country’s position as a key player in the global LNG market.