Türkiye started the expansion of Marmara Erelixi LNG Terminal, built 160000 cubic meters of storage tanks, and the total storage capacity increased from 255000 cubic meters to 415000 cubic meters. The station undertakes about 15% of the country's natural gas demand, and after expansion, it will accept ultra large LNG ships such as Q-Max without the need to empty storage tanks in advance.

Significant increase in operational flexibility

Türkiye's state-owned pipeline company BOTA ∨ has started the construction of the fourth LNG storage tank with a volume of 160000 cubic meters. After completion, the total storage capacity of the terminal will increase by 63%, from 255000 cubic meters to 415000 cubic meters. The station is located on the north bank of the Marmara Sea in Taikirda Province, with a daily gasification capacity of approximately 37 million cubic meters, currently second only to the private Izmir Ali Aga receiving station (with a daily gasification capacity of 40 million cubic meters).

Although upgrading energy storage does not directly increase daily gasification processing capacity, it can significantly enhance operational flexibility. After the expansion of storage tanks, the station can accommodate Q-Flex (216000 cubic meters) and Q-Max (266000 cubic meters) ultra large LNG transport ships without the need to vacate in advance. About 65 LNG ships berth at the station every year, and the station can meet about 15% of Türkiye's natural gas demand every year.

Gasification capacity has increased nearly fivefold in five years

This expansion is part of Türkiye's national natural gas infrastructure upgrade. According to the national energy and mining policy, Türkiye's total LNG gasification capacity has climbed from 34 million cubic meters per day in 2016 to about 161 million cubic meters at present, an increase of nearly five times. Ankara plans to build two new floating LNG receiving facilities in the future, with the goal of increasing the total gasification capacity to 200 million cubic meters per day. Keywords: LNG receiving station, natural gas infrastructure

In terms of long-term contract layout, BOTA Ş previously signed a 20-year LNG supply agreement with Mercuria Switzerland, purchasing approximately 4 billion cubic meters annually from 2026 onwards; At the same time, supply arrangements have been reached with Italy's Eni (5 billion cubic meters over 10 years) and Germany's SEFE (6 billion cubic meters over 10 years). In January 2026, Türkiye's LNG import has reached 2.657 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 27.4%. The length of tank expansion is about locked, and Türkiye is further consolidating its position as a regional natural gas hub.Editor/Cheng Liting