France’s gas ‘safety net’ no longer needed: Total Energies dismantling LNG terminal

TotalEnergies is dismantling its floating LNG terminal (FSRU) in Le Havre because it is no longer needed to ensure France’s or Europe’s gas security. The terminal was installed in 2022, during the energy crisis caused by the drop in Russian gas supplies, and served as an emergency “safety net” to boost LNG import capacity. Now that gas supply conditions in Europe have stabilized—and the terminal has been barely used—Total Energies has decided to remove it. This view was also supported by a ruling from the Rouen Administrative Court in October 2025. TotalEnergies continues to expand its global LNG portfolio, with 40 Mt/y in 2024 and access to over 20 Mt/y of regasification capacity in Europe. The company aims to make natural gas nearly 50% of its sales by 2030, reduce carbon and methane emissions, and support coal-to-gas transitions. It has invested €20 billion in its multi-energy and low-carbon strategy over the past five years.