Houston, Texas: For the first time in history, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier is to be converted into an LNG storage and re-gasification unit (FSRU). The conversion project will be carried out to DNV class rules for offshore gas terminals and international standards.
The shipowner, Golar LNG, will work in partnership with Keppel Shipyard, a subsidiary of Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd, in the engineering, procurement, and construction for the project. The scope of work includes the installation of a new forward turret, side-by-side mooring system, LNG loading arms, aft thruster with compartment and a re-gasification plant, and the replacement of cargo pumps. The conversion will be finished in the second quarter of 2007, with a total contract value of approximately USD 55 million.
The conversion project will be carried out to relevant DNV class rules for offshore gas terminals and international standards. DNV has extensive experience in converting marine vessels to offshore installations and will combine this with its expertise in LNG technology.
The proposed LNG terminal is a steel monohull with Moss LNG tanks arranged in the middle, with the re-gasification plant in the forward section and crew facilities with control room and utility machinery in the aft section. The LNG offloading tankers will be moored in a side-by-side configuration with the FSRU for the efficient supply of LNG to the terminal. Moss Maritime A/S has prepared the conceptual basis for the FSRU and will carry out the design and engineering work for the conversion. The FSRU will be stationed offshore and, through a subsea pipeline, will be capable of a throughput of 2.75BSCM (billion standard cubic metre) per annum at variable gas send out pressures up to 85bar.