The World of Energy

Chapter 36 Floating LNG

36.2. Floating LNG Design & Concept

Ch. 36 - 8
 Offshore Terminal Design
Moored Buoy System with pipeline to shore
- Special ships moor to buoy
- Regasification done on board the ship
- Ship departs once LNG regasified

Floating, Storage and Regasification Unit

- Terminal is a specially designed moored vessel
- LNG storage and regasification done on board
- Natural gas piped to shore

Gravity Based Structure

- Terminal is submerged concrete structure
- LNG storage and regasification done on terminal
- Natural gas piped to shore

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Floating LNG Concept

LNG Storage

Liquefaction

LNG Loading Gas Treatment

Condensate Extraction
LNG Storage

Turret Mooring

Wells

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ConocoPhillips Cascade Process Floating LNG

5.0 mtpa production capacity

300,000 cbm LNG storage + LPG and condensate storage

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Floating LNG

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Floating LNG

LNG Storage

Liquefaction

LNG Loading Gas Treatment

Condensate Extraction
LNG Storage

Turret Mooring

Wells

Ch. 36 - 13
Selecting offshore LNG processes

Michael Barclay and Noel Denton, Foster Wheeler Energy Limited, UK

Ch. 36 - 14
LNG Processes for Offshore LNG Projects

Note: Statoil-/LQGHV0L[HG)OXLG&DVFDGH3URFHVVLVVLPLODUWRWKH'05
in thermal efficiency, etc.
Chen-Hwa Chiu
Senior Technology Advisor
Chevron Energy Technology Company

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Improvement Concepts for
Offshore LNG Plants

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Floating LNG receiving terminal

Moss Maritime

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 Floating LNG Receiving Terminal

Potential LNG FSRU Typical land-based terminal

The NIMBY* and BANANA* issues can be handled!

* NIMBY - Not In My Back Yard
* BANANA - Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anything

Ch. 36 - 18
 LNG FSRU - WHAT IS IT?

The FSRU is a steel mono-hull with:

LNG storage tanks
Re-gasification plant
Crew facilities with control room and utility
machinery
Moored with an external turret, soft yoke
arrangement or STL for free weather-vaning
Gas send-out line arranged through the
mooring system down to the seabed and from
there directly to the shore manifold
LNG Carriers berthing side-by-side for
offloading

Ch. 36 - 19
 LNG Containment Systems

Only two LNG Carriers Long experience from Long experience from
of this type in LNG carriers LNG carriers
operation Excellent track record Good track record
No filling restrictions Not affected by Affected by sloshing
Extensive internal sloshing Filling restrictions
structural stiffeners No filling restrictions
Prone to structural No internal stiffeners
fatigue Excellent fatigue
Questionable if properties
subjected by sloshing No modifications to
containment system
needed for use as
FSRU
Ch. 36 - 20
Sloshing Phenomena
The sloshing phenomena occur when
the ship motions coincide with the
natural frequency of the liquid motion
in the tanks. The build-up of violent
motion is due to frequency, not
amplitude.
The sloshing phenomena
takes place in partially filled
tanks.
A floating LNG Terminal is
always partially filled.
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Moss Floatimg LNG Liquefaction

Ch. 36 - 22
 MOSS Floating LNG Liquefaction (FLNG)

The Moss FLNG offers production, storage and offloading of LNG

on a single floating facility.
With respect to cost and project scheduling, the FLNG has
significant advantages over gravity-based and onshore
liquefaction facilities. The concept is particularly well suited to
LNG production in areas with little or no onshore infrastructure.
Significant cost reduction potential compared to onshore facilities
For exploration of green gas and associated gas fields
Side-by-side or tandem offloading to LNG shuttle tankers
LNG storage capacities from 150,000 - 270,000 m3
LPG and condensate storage/offloading as required
LNG production capacities up to 5 MMTPA
Available for both harsh and benign environments
Turret or spread-moored anchor line arrangement
Easy to relocate - can cover marginal field developments
Compact process layout
Construction and completion at experienced shipyards
Modular design concept using the proven Moss spherical LNG
containment system

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LNG offloading
using the Moss-Framo LNG tandem offloading system

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 OPE - Floating LNG Terminal/Dock
The SSP Floating Dock
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SSP buoys moored to the
seafloor.

The Floating Dock is

designed to accommodate
current and the next
generation LNG carriers
sizing from 70,000 to
220,000 cubic meters in
capacity.

OPE's SSP Floating

Dock design has already
received ABS Approval-in-
Principle.

Ch. 36 - 25
 LNG Smart Floating Storage & Regas Unit
Mustang Engineering's Midstream
Group (Houston, Texas), together with
five partner companies, have developed
a proprietary floating storage and
regasification unit (FSRU) for liquefied
natural gas (LNG) known as the LNG
Smart FSRU System (patents pending)
This is a viable offshore alternative
offering safe, efficient and economical
storage and regasification of LNG.
This system incorporates two other
LNG Smart Technologies-LNG Smart
Vaporization and LNG Smart Storage
System-configured on a barge or ship
The system eliminates using sea
water for vaporization, addressing
U.S. Coast Guard concerns by
reducing the potential harmful
effects on marine life.
It can also reduce fuel gas
consumption and NOx and CO2 air
emissions by as much as 90%,
compared to conventional
combustion vaporization.
Safety is increased by using
horizontal tanks individually
surrounded by insulation, an inert
atmosphere, and a concrete "cold
box" container.
Cost and schedule are reduced by
fabricating the modular steel storage
tanks separately from the concrete
containers and hull, and then
combining them.
The LNG Smart FSRU System is one
of Mustang's LNG Smart
Technologies. These technologies
are innovative solutions using
practical methods, materials and
equipment for improving the safety,
environmental impact and
commercial viability of LNG
receiving terminals and liquefaction
plants in response to the growing
demand for clean natural gas
supply.
Ch. 36 - 26
SBM's FSRU
SBM's FSRU concept can be designed for a wide range of
conditions.
The generic design developed by SBM to pre-FEED level has a
typical LNG storage capacity of 300,000 m and gas send-out
capacity of 1,000 MMscfd at a pressure up to approx. 100 barg
(1,400 psig).
This design allows for either side-by-side or tandem offloading of
the imported LNG. The FSRU is moored to the seabed in relatively
shallow water depths via a turret mooring system and can
withstand the severest (100-year return period) hurricane
conditions as predicted for the Gulf of Mexico.
Main advantages are:
Key enabler to gas imports in areas where onshore developments are
restricted
Cost-efficient alternative to onshore terminals for sub - optimal site
conditions
Can be located in many parts of the world
Possibility of leasing and relocation
Easy permitting / No land acquisition
Ensure Homeland security
Enhanced navigational safety
Out of sight location possible
Known side-by-side loading operations
Field-proven components

Ch. 36 - 27
SBM's FSRU

Ch. 36 - 28
SBM - Converted FSRU
The conversion FSRU is specifically attractive in situations
that require a short-term gas supply solution at relatively
low cost, or to supply gas to isolated gas consumers.
For typical gas send-out below 500 mmscfd, SBM can offer
an FSRU based on the conversion of an existing LNG carrier
for a maximum storage capacity of approximately 140,000
m3.
Membrane type (for benign environment) or MOSS type
carriers (for more exposed locations) can be employed. LNG
offloading is primarily performed in a so-called "side-by-
side" arrangement. The converted FSRU is typically
equipped with an external turret mooring system, but other
mooring options are also possible.
The Converted FSRU has all the advantages of the New-
Built FSRU plus:
Significant cost saving compared to onshore terminals in all
cases
Unbeatable delivery schedule (less than 2 years)

Ch. 36 - 29
SBM - Converted FSRU

Ch. 36 - 30
 LNG Storage Concepts
Dr. Olav Olsen a.s has developed Concrete LNG Terminal
a number of concepts for fixed The concept aimed to design a
and floating LNG/LPG storage
tanks. common raft solution where all
tanks are placed on one
Concept development has always
been an important part of the foundation, enabling at-shore
activities of the firm, and we have construction and assembly, and a
developed a unique ability to minimum of hook-up and offshore
identify new and innovative work.
solutions.
Due to its excellent temperature
properties, concrete has proved
the best choice of material for the
construction of storage units for
LNG.

Ch. 36 - 31
ChevronTexaco Port Pelican GBS FSRU

ChevronTexaco's first two offshore LNG terminals planned to provide

additional natural gas to the United States.
The first of these, the Port Pelican Facility, will be located in the Gulf of
Mexico off the coast of Louisiana.
The second terminal, will be located offshore the Baja Peninsula in
Mexican waters and will supply natural gas to the US west coast.

Ch. 36 - 32
ChevronTexaco Port Pelican GBS FSRU

Ch. 36 - 33
ChevronTexaco Port Pelican GBS FSRU

Ch. 36 - 34
 ConocoPhillips Floating Terminal

Compass Port is a proposed offshore LNG import

terminal 12 miles south of Dauphin Island,
Alabama. The port will receive LNG from
QatarGasIII by a fleet of carriers.

Ch. 36 - 35
Shell - Gulf Landing FSRU

Ch. 36 - 36
 Fixed structures Offshore LNG
Three types of fixed structures are
presented here:
Gravity-based structures (GBS).
Platforms.
Artificial islands.
Water depths limited to less than
100 ft by limitations on their
construction sites.
The fixed structures must also be in
areas where the seafloor is
Relatively level or gently sloping,
Lacking in geologic hazards, and
With satisfactory sediments to
support the foundation and
weight of the structure.
Gravity-based structures have been
used to support offshore crude oil
facilities for more than 30 years but
are only recently being considered
for offshore LNG service.
The construction is mostly concrete
and in the case of LNG is adapted to
handle contact with cryogenic
liquids.
The first GBS for an LNG terminal is
currently under construction in Spain
for the Isola di Porto Levante
terminal in Italy.
To come online towards the end
of 2007
Capacity to deliver 0.77 bcfd
Much like gravity-based structures,
offshore platform-based LNG
terminals are non-floating and allow
for the consideration of limited
terminal based LNG storage.
Construction of an artificial island,
on the other hand, provides space
for LNG storage, multiple docking
berths, air-based vaporization, and
other onshore services and
processes that may require larger
amounts of space.
To date, only one project based on
an offshore island has been
announced for the US: Atlantic Sea
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Project.
Ch. 36 - 37
Floating LNG
As projects move further offshore, increased water depths require
consideration of floating facilities.
Different processes can be part of the floating facility.
If storage and regasification are part of the facility, for example, they are
commonly called a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU).
If storage is not incorporated into the floating facility, then a floating
regasification unit (FRU) is considered.
An FSRU LNG import terminal concept consists of a purpose-built
ship that is typically between 350 to 400 m long by up to 70 m wide.
The FSRU normally has only a modest propulsion system, relying on
tugs for limited maneuvering. For applications in which rapid
disconnection and significant relocation of the FSRU is required, a
propulsion system will be part of the FSRU.
Floating structures with storage capacity generally require an
anchoring system and sufficient water depth (generally greater than
160 ft) to accommodate a flexible pipeline connection between the
unit and the seafloor pipeline
Since the FSRU is part ship, part storage tank, and part regasification
unit, three separate design standards, guidance, and regulations
must be satisfied.
The vessel portion of the FSRU is subject to marine codes, the LNG
storage tanks to LNG storage and transfer rules, and the LNG
regasification and sendout processes to process standards and
codes.

Ch. 36 - 38
Offshore LNG - Other configurations
The Excelerate shipping fleet combines the capabilities of a
conventional LNG tanker with that of an FSRU, acting as FSRU when
offloading natural gas directly into natural gas pipelines, since the
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Once offloading is concluded, the ship may disconnect and proceed
to retrieve another LNG cargo.
The concept of having the regasification facilities aboard the LNG
tanker provides flexibility in supply with reduced overall costs if a
portfolio of greenfield facilities that do not have local LNG storage is
considered.
Another attractive characteristic is that between two LNG cargoes,
there are no significant visible facilities on the water surface.
Another interesting example of a floating LNG facility allows for
conventional LNG ships to dock. Conventional offloading arms are
mounted on a purpose-built floating structure (pontoon, keel, and
towers) which temporarily attaches to docking LNG tankers.
Regasification is also performed on the floating structure with
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project for the Bienville Offshore Energy terminal in Alabama is an
example

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Hoegh - LNG FSRU

Ch. 36 - 40
Hoegh - LNG FSRU

Ch. 36 - 41
Hoegh - LNG FSRU

Ch. 36 - 42
Broadwater Offshore LNG
Broadwater is proposing to build an offshore LNG terminal
that would connect with the existing subsea natural gas
pipeline in Long Island Sound and provide the region's
consumers with a much needed, clean, dependable, and
secure energy source.
Physically, the Broadwater terminal would consist of a ship-
like vessel moored in the deep waters of Long Island Sound.
This Floating Storage and Regasification unit (FSRU) would
be approximately 1,200 feet long and 180 feet wide. The
FSRU's deck (excluding on-deck equipment) would rise about
75 feet above the water line.
The FSRU will be moored in place using a proven "soft yoke
mooring system" that allows the FSRU to rotate around the
mooring. This type of mooring system is used in some of the
most severe-weather areas of marine operations.
The FSRU design will incorporate highly-developed, robust
security and safety systems, including intruder detection,
hazard detection, fire suppression, and emergency
shutdown.

Ch. 36 - 43
Broadwater Offshore LNG

Ch. 36 - 44
Broadwater Offshore LNG

Ch. 36 - 45
 TORP (Terminal Offshore Regas Plant).

To capitalize on the HiLoad Technology, development work on a

LNG version was initiated in 2002.
During this work, the HiLoad LNG Regas Technology proved its
economic and operational characteristics that make it the
preferred solution compared with other LNG regas terminals.
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management of Remora Technology and Hitec Industries
decided to create the LNG related company, TORP Technology
(Terminal Offshore Regas Plant).
HiLoad is a proprietary technology with several patents and
patents pending.
TORP Technology owns the HiLoad LNG rights. The technology
was awarded with ASME, IPTIs "Woelfel Best Mechanical
Engineering Innovation Award", and is approved in principle by
the American Bureau of Shipping, ABS, and Det Norske Veritas,
DNV.
TORP will design, permit, construct, install and operate offshore
LNG receiving and regasification terminals, like the Bienville
Offshore Energy Terminal in the Main Pass area, US Gulf of
Mexico.

Ch. 36 - 46
TORP (Terminal Offshore Regas Plant)

The Bienville Offshore Energy Terminal in

the Main Pass Area, south of Alabama

Ch. 36 - 47