LNG Terminal Engineering: an Opportunity for You

“Energy independence“: the phrase became a kind of a synonym for the liquified natural gas (LNG) terminal Independence, brought to Klaipėda in 2014. In general, energy experts have been increasingly frequently talking about the LNG energy as a growing and promising area. The fact is well known to Modestas Venckus bei Martynas Ambrutis, Klaipėda University students who are presently completing their first year of studies in the LNG Terminal Engineering study programme.

A new study programme proved attractive

“I was born and grew up in Klaipėda, therefore after school I did not want to leave it. I learnt about the LNG Terminal Engineering studies from the press, got interested, and, after going to the Study Fair and talking to the university teachers, made a decision“, says Modestas Venckus. His groupmate Martynas Abrutis came to Klaipėda to study LNG Terminal Engineering from the other end of Lithuania, from Varėna. “I have always been good at mathematics and physics, therefore, the first year studies were not that difficult. While other students were learning hard, I found time to get to know the city of Klaipėda”.

The LNG Terminal Engineering study programme was launched at Klaipėda University in 2016. Klaipėda University is the only one in the Baltic Region that prepares professionals in the field. “I was not scared by the fact that it was a new study programme at KU, on the contrary, I thought it was an advantage: I expected interesting and engaging lectures”, says Modestas Venckus. ..

Confidently in the direction of their dream

“Even though I knew I chose a promising profession I did not expect the LNG area to be given so much attention and that it was a so rapidly growing area”, admits 1^st year student Venckus. Eleven students of the LNG Terminal Engineering study programme regularly attend conferences and other events and go on field trips to specific companies. On May 19, the Klaipėdos nafta company is taking them for a tour of the LNG FSRU Independence in Klaipėda. “As we hear presentations of energy experts in different conferences, we understand the seriousness and the relevance of the area. It surely increases our motivation to study and to acquire the necessary knowledge”, says Martynas Abrutis.

“After the studies, I would like to work in the field of the LNG infrastructure development in Lithuania; however, even though I love Klaipėda, I would not exclude an opportunity to gain new experiences abroad”, says Modestas Venckus from Klaipėda. Martynas Abrutis who came from Varėna dreams of building his life in Klaipėda. “We shall soon be doing our traineeship at AB Klaipėdos Nafta and get acquainted with the company I would like to work for in the future”, Martynas shares his plans.

Far-sighted choice

The investments to the LNG sector in the world are to amount to 200 billion euros before 2025. As stated by Andrius Sutnikas, the Lithuanian LNG cluster coordinator and head of development of the Klaipėda Science and Technology Park, the forecasts witness extremely rapid trends of development in the area and simultaneously a growing demand for competent engineers.

“LNG is undoubtedly an excellent springboard for a successful career, and not only in Lithuania, but also in international companies. Prospective LNG terminal engineers will acquire unique knowledge and abilities necessary to work with cryogenic liquids and gases, and their range of competences will include helium, nitrogen, and nitrogen – which means an even wider range of activities”, notes Andrius Sutnikas.

He believes the present students of the LNG Terminal Engineering study programme were greatly encouraged by the insights of a high-level expert Sven Lataire from Belgium expressed during the trainings in Klaipėda last year. “If you have serious career ambitions and want to implement them fast, choose LNG, as there are not so many people in the world presently who are real professionals in the field “, emphasises Mr. Lataire who is in charge of the LNG development in an international company. “I hope the message will be heard by the school-leavers who are still undecided about their future plans.”

Source: Klaipėda University