Bureau Veritas Awards Approval in Principle to EXMAR for Floating LNG Concept
Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) has granted Approval in Principle (AiP) to EXMAR for its innovative Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) concept. This concept involves the conversion of an existing membrane-type LNG carrier, paving the way for the development of offshore gas resources through a flexible and cost-effective floating liquefaction solution.
Conversion of LNG Carrier into FLNG Unit
The EXMAR design focuses on transforming an existing membrane-type LNG carrier into a versatile Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) unit suitable for mild environments. This converted facility is specifically engineered to facilitate offshore gas processing, liquefaction, and LNG storage, presenting a flexible and cost-effective approach to gas monetization.
Advantages of Conversion Approach
By opting for the conversion of an existing LNG carrier instead of constructing a newbuild vessel, the FLNG concept offers practical benefits. It streamlines development schedules and reduces capital investment, while also providing a customizable solution for offshore gas projects. This approach aligns with the industry’s goal of enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Key Features of FLNG Concept
The FLNG concept is based on a membrane-type LNG carrier with a substantial LNG storage capacity of around 170,000 m³ and a projected design life of 25 years. This facility is designed to unlock stranded gas resources, particularly targeting projects with low initial capital outlay, accelerated timelines from investment decision to production, and stringent efficiency criteria.
Bureau Veritas Assessment and Approval
Bureau Veritas conducted a thorough evaluation of the FLNG concept against relevant requirements for offshore production gas units, drawing upon expertise in offshore and liquefied gas carriers’ position-keeping systems.
The assessment focused on critical aspects such as hull structure, stability, LNG cargo containment system, and FLNG mooring arrangement. The Approval in Principle signifies the concept’s potential viability in repurposing existing membrane LNG carrier assets for floating liquefaction facilities, thereby offering an alternative pathway for offshore gas resource development. This endorsement underscores the commitment to efficient project execution and the diversification of energy supply sources.
In conclusion, the Approval in Principle granted by Bureau Veritas to EXMAR for its Floating LNG concept marks a significant milestone in advancing innovative solutions for offshore gas monetization. This initiative underscores the industry’s ongoing efforts to drive efficiency, sustainability, and diversification in the energy sector.
