German utility RWE AG and Dutch company Rolande BV signed a memorandum of understanding for a partnership in the downstream LNG market in Germany.

Based in Tilburg in the Netherlands, Rolande operates a fleet of LNG filling stations, including the largest network in the Netherlands, and has plans to establish a supply structure in Belgium and Germany.

The cooperation with RWE will focus on the heavy duty road transport sector. An LNG import terminal is planned to be built in Brunsbüttel and RWE has already secured capacity contracts in the proposed terminal. The pair will also work together in developing bio-LNG solutions.

"We are expanding our LNG filling station network in Germany rapidly," Rolande CEO Jolon van der Schuit said in a Dec. 19 company news release. "The presence of an LNG import terminal in Germany will be very valuable for the whole LNG business in Germany."

Rolande plans to operate six new LNG fueling stations in Germany in 2020.