The upgraded LNG terminal in Omišalj, located on the Croatian island of Krk, has entered its final testing phase and is expected to begin full commercial operations in the coming days. This follows several weeks of complex preparatory and commissioning work aimed at ensuring the facility’s readiness.
Ivan Fugas, Director of LNG Hrvatska, confirmed that the project is now in its final stage. The terminal resumed gas intake only a week after returning from a Turkish shipyard, where an additional regasification module was installed to expand its capacity. According to Fugas, the facility should become fully operational within the week.
With the new module in place, the terminal’s annual regasification capacity has increased to 6.1 billion cubic meters of natural gas. The full capacity will be available once Plinacro, the national gas transmission operator, completes the associated transmission infrastructure — a project that both companies describe as a shared success.
The expansion marks a major step forward for Croatia’s energy security and regional influence, effectively doubling the terminal’s previous capacity. Fugas noted that the upgraded facility will not only ensure stable domestic supply but also strengthen Croatia’s ability to support neighboring countries during potential shortages.
Before the terminal was built, Croatia lacked the infrastructure to export gas. Today, it serves as an important regional energy hub, enabling diversified imports and exports across Southeast Europe. Addressing questions about EU sanctions on Russian energy, Fugas stated that Croatia has not received any Russian LNG since the terminal began operations. He added that while global market conditions remain unpredictable, the terminal’s access to multiple global suppliers helps mitigate risks of disruption.
Currently, about 65% of LNG handled at the Omišalj terminal comes from the United States. Fugas emphasized that customers have recognized the facility as a reliable and cost-effective long-term energy solution, underscoring its growing strategic role in both Croatia’s and the region’s energy landscape.
