Bureau Veritas Grants AiP to China Offshore’s FlexFit FLNG Series
At the recent Gastech 2026 event, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) made a significant announcement by presenting Approval in Principle (AiP) certificates for eight hull designs within China Offshore’s FlexFit-series Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Production, Storage, and Offloading (FLNG) portfolio. This recognition highlights the feasibility of the standardized FLNG solution and signals its readiness for introduction into the global offshore market.
Standardized FLNG Solution for Diverse Development Scenarios
The certified FlexFit series comprises a tiered and standardized FLNG product family that includes two technical pathways – Type B Tank and Membrane Tank designs, offering a total of eight hull configurations. With liquefaction capacities ranging from 1.2 to 6.0 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), these designs cater to a wide range of development scenarios, from marginal satellite gas fields to large deep-water and ultra-deep-water gas fields operating in challenging environmental conditions.
Customizable and Future-Ready Design Features
All FlexFit designs feature a durable double-hull configuration and a 30-year design service life. The standardized approach allows for efficient customization to meet specific project requirements, ultimately reducing project schedules and optimizing capital expenditure. Moreover, the large-scale models are equipped with reserved interfaces for future carbon capture and storage (CCS) integration, aligning with the evolving low-carbon requirements of offshore developments.
Key Components of the FlexFit Series
The FlexFit series is built on the principle of providing the right vessel at the right cost for the right field, emphasizing fit-for-purpose solutions that enhance project value and development efficiency. Key features of the series include standardized and scalable design, proven technology foundations, integrated EPC capabilities, strong LNG engineering heritage, and a future-oriented green and smart design approach focusing on energy efficiency and digital technologies.
Significant Milestone for China Offshore’s FLNG Portfolio
The Approval in Principle granted to the eight FlexFit designs marks a crucial milestone for China Offshore’s FLNG portfolio. This certification validates the feasibility of the designs at the concept stage, reduces risks during subsequent project development phases, and enhances the competitiveness of the FlexFit series for offshore gas development projects globally.
In conclusion, the presentation of AiP certificates for the FlexFit-series FLNG designs at Gastech 2026 underscores the industry’s evolution towards standardized, efficient, and environmentally sustainable solutions to meet the growing demand for remote offshore gas resources.
