German environmental group sues over LNG terminal's biocide use

Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) has filed a lawsuit at the Federal Administrative Court against the operation of the floating LNG terminal ship "Höegh Esperanza" in Wilhelmshaven. The environmental organization aims to halt the discharge of chlorine biocide into the Jade estuary and the North Sea.

According to DUH, the terminal ship uses chlorine biocide to clean its pipe systems. The organization criticizes this practice as a significant threat to the sensitive ecosystem of the Jade and the Wadden Sea, demanding an immediate refit of the terminal ship to meet current technological standards without chlorine. DUH states that authorities have ignored their concerns for months, making legal action unavoidable.

The group argues that the biocide cleaning method does not align with the current state of technology, citing that a second LNG terminal ship for the same location, the "Excelsior," is currently being converted to a chlorine-free process. DUH also points to a parliamentary committee's call in March 2023 for the relevant ministry to expedite the refit of the "Höegh Esperanza," and notes that the responsible permitting authority has remained inactive.

DUH contends that Uniper's operations are "poisoning" the Jade estuary and the North Sea when less harmful alternatives exist. The organization warns that the continued use of chlorine biocide could jeopardize the livelihoods of local crab and mussel fishermen. DUH intends to pursue the protection of the Wadden Sea through legal channels.