Method used in Belgium according to which the calendar year is divided into schedules for the berthing of the LNG ships. This is a method that hopes to maximize plant utilization. Rules have also been set up in Belgium to promote secondary trades of shippers to resell slots that are not going to be used. It is also important that unbundled components of the slots (e.g. slot to berth a ship, LNG unloading, buffer storage and regasification services) are made available with sufficient prior notice so as to ensure that potential users with specific needs are not deterred by the need to purchase a complete slot