The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has given its approval in principle (AIP) to a novel design of FLNG (floating LNG) hull created by Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) and JGC CORPORATION (JGC), in which existing LNG carriers’ LNG storage tanks would be used as reported by KLine.
FLNG Hull
FLNG is well suited to the development of offshore natural gas fields, particularly small and medium-sized areas when onshore LNG plants are not economically viable. FLNG also lowers the cost of constructing undersea pipelines and allows them to be diverted to different marine locations after the natural gas production is depleted. Around the world, there are numerous small and medium-sized offshore natural gas fields. With the rise in energy demand, particularly in emerging markets, and the transition to natural gas as a low-carbon fuel, multiple FLNG projects are currently under construction, primarily in Asia and Africa. “K” LINE and JGC have created a new type of FLNG Hull with the support of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism.
Primary function
By transferring and employing the spherical (Moss type) tanks from existing LNG carriers of the older generation as an LNG storage facility, which is FLNG’s primary function, this FLNG Hull achieves the following effects. Reduce the cost of building a hull by avoiding the need to create new LNG storage tanks, which are costly and require specialised expertise. Increase the number of shipyard candidates who can construct the Hull, reducing the building time and cost. “K” LINE has vast experience in the construction and operation of LNG carriers, having been in the LNG transportation business for many years. “K” LINE is also active in the offshore market, owning and operating floating production storage and offloading vessels (FPSOs).
Low carbon fuel
JGC Group has a world-class track record in FLNG, having been involved in the design, procurement, and construction (EPC) of two of the seven FLNGs currently in service or under construction across the world, as well as commissioning support. Among fossil fuels, LNG is positioned as a relatively low-carbon and clean fuel. LNG usage is predicted to rise steadily in tandem with rising demand in emerging markets. With these FLNG development outcomes from JGC, “K” LINE will continue to focus on the LNG value chain industry in order to suit our clients’ diverse needs.
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Source: KLine
