As reported by Greenpeace, the LNG terminal located at Zeebrugge, Belgium, is currently facing a blockade from its activists. The organization claims that around 70 individuals have taken to the water in small boats and kayaks to protest against the importation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from both Russia and the United States into Europe.
According to media sources, these activists strategically positioned themselves around the port early on October 1st, launching their demonstration shortly after an LNG carrier departed. While the terminal itself appears vacant now, other vessels including a cruise ship (AIDAperla) and several cargo ships remain in nearby areas.
The Greenpeace vessel Witness has been stationed at the entrance of the terminal displaying a prominent banner featuring images of Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump with the message “They love gas, you pay the price.” Additionally, they set up a large inflatable representation of both leaders atop a gas carrier. Surrounding this display were small boats and kayaks showcasing their own banners while police monitored from nearby.
This protest marks yet another action in Greenpeace’s ongoing campaign across Europe coinciding with discussions regarding new EU sanctions related to Ukraine. The European Commission is advocating for a ban on Russian gas imports by January 2027; however, Greenpeace is pushing for an immediate halt on all new contracts with U.S. suppliers as well as an EU commitment to eliminate fossil gas entirely by 2035.
Greenpeace emphasizes its blockade aims to end LNG shipments from Russia and the U.S. (© Eric De Mildt / Greenpeace)
Lisa Göldner, a fossil fuel campaigner for Greenpeace Germany stated: “Substituting Russian gas with fracked alternatives from America keeps Europe ensnared in perilous dependencies. Our presence here today underscores that transitioning towards renewable energy isn’t just about environmental concerns; it’s fundamentally about security.”
In recent findings shared by Greenpeace Belgium, it was revealed that Yamal LNG—Russia’s largest exporter of natural gas—generated approximately $40 billion between 2022 and 2024 while contributing $9.5 billion in profit taxes back to Russia’s government. Furthermore, they argue that during this same period France, Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands collectively spent €34.3 billion on liquefied natural gas imports from Russia compared to €21.2 billion provided as bilateral aid to Ukraine.
The Zeebrugge terminal stands out as one of Europe’s largest facilities hosting agreements with major companies like Eni and Total Energies. Fluxys Belgium reports significant growth in demand for natural gas flowing into Germany and Netherlands during early 2025 compared to previous years; shipping traffic reached record levels with nearly 80 vessels unloading LNG at Zeebrugge within just six months.
This isn’t Greenpeace’s first time targeting this facility; earlier protests included circling Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K Lines-operated vessel (Marvel Swallow) upon its arrival last March followed by attempts to obstruct Dynagas’ tanker (Fedor Litke).
As night fell on October 1st , tensions remained high at sea where both police boats and Greenpeace vessels continued their standoff near Fluxys’ terminal entrance.
