Equinor's Hammerfest LNG terminal, recognized as Europe’s largest facility for exporting liquefied natural gas, has commenced its planned annual maintenance shutdown, according to Offshore Engineer. The facility, also referred to as Melkoeya LNG, officially began its maintenance pause at 0400 GMT. As per the regulatory filing, the plant is expected to remain offline until July 10.

Melkoeya LNG, located on Melkoeya Island near Hammerfest in northern Norway, plays a crucial role in the European energy supply landscape. The plant is capable of producing approximately 6.5 billion cubic metres of natural gas annually. This volume is sufficient to meet the energy needs of around 6.5 million European households. According to several media reports, the facility is responsible for nearly 5% of Norway’s total gas exports, making it a vital asset in the country’s energy infrastructure.

The Hammerfest LNG terminal processes natural gas that is transported from the Snoehvit field in the Barents Sea, which lies approximately 143 kilometres (or 89 miles) offshore. Once the gas reaches the terminal, it is cooled into liquid form for export to various markets, primarily in Europe. The shutdown for scheduled maintenance is a routine procedure to ensure the continued safe and efficient operation of the plant.

Ownership of the Hammerfest LNG facility is shared among several major energy companies. Equinor holds the largest stake and is the operator of the terminal. Other stakeholders include Petoro, TotalEnergies, Vår Energi, and Harbour Energy. Each partner plays a role in supporting the operations and strategic importance of the terminal.

Media reports emphasize that while the plant is offline, it may have a temporary impact on gas supply levels from Norway. However, since the maintenance was pre-planned and publicly disclosed, the market is expected to have already factored in the reduced output. The maintenance schedule aligns with Equinor’s broader operational strategy to maintain asset reliability and long-term productivity.

The Hammerfest LNG plant has previously faced unplanned outages, most notably following a fire in 2020, which led to a prolonged shutdown. However, since restarting operations in 2022, the plant has maintained a steady flow of gas exports. The current maintenance period is considered a standard part of its operational calendar and is not expected to result in extended disruptions.

In summary, the Hammerfest LNG terminal, a critical node in Europe’s energy network, has temporarily halted operations for routine maintenance, with services expected to resume in early July, as confirmed by media reports and official filings.