Protests continue against the proposed plans for an LNG terminal off Rügen or in the port of Mukran, causing concern for the German island. Reports suggest that around 120 demonstrators formed a human chain from Binz on the beach to Prora on Saturday, with other protests announced. The protests are being backed by an alliance of 37 cities and municipalities from the island, including Stralsund, alongside citizens’ initiatives and environmental associations. The Federal Ministry of Economics is now examining other possible locations in the area after strong resistance was shown towards building the terminal in Sellin. One potential location being analysed by the ministry is the use of the port of Mukran. However, communities in the south-east of Rügen have also opposed this site. It’s said that a large working platform was placed only a few hundred metres from Prora over the Easter weekend. The location of the platform is causing fears among the Baltic Sea resorts regarding the adverse effects an LNG terminal would have on tourism such as noise and the view of an industrial plant from the beach. The Budget Committee of the Bundestag recently approved funds for planning but not for the construction of the terminal, calling for further examinations of the site.
