Elektrans Global

“Complimenting DNV GL on their development of an Unmanned FLNG Concept”

Natural gas is a major source of energy. In recent years its demand is increasing because it is less polluting to the environment as compared to oil. Its transportation by sea is done by cooling it down to  -162 degrees C (Boiling point temperature at atmospheric pressure), when it becomes a liquefied gas and occupies 600 times less volume, thus making it economically viable for sea transportation.

It is transported by specially designed and constructed vessels called Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carriers. Presently there are about 440 LNG carriers in the world fleet and this number is growing to keep pace with demand.

 Energy is vital to daily life – it keeps our world moving and provides access to essentials like clean water, food and health care. Over the coming decades, populations and living standards for many will rise – and so will the need for energy, whereas demand for oil has leveled off, demand for natural gas is growing as it is next best after renewable sources of energy (solar, wind, tidal, waves, geothermal, etc.)

Bulk transportation of LNG is generally done using ocean-going LNG Carriers. This allows transport from the LNG loading terminal to the LNG receiving terminal. The receiving terminals have storage and regasification systems to allow Natural Gas to be fed into the local gas pipeline distribution system as required, according to consumption

As natural gas liquefies at cryogenic temperatures, i.e. temperatures well below -100°C, there is continuous boil-off of a small portion of the liquefied natural gas during transportation and storage. This is termed natural boil-off gas (NBOG). Specialized equipment is required in order to handle this boil-off which limits the pressure increase in the tanks. On ocean-going LNG carriers, this NBOG is frequently used to provide a source of fuel for the vessel propulsion, using boilers feeding steam turbines, or feeding directly to dual fuel diesel engines coupled to electric propulsion units. In case additional fuel is required, additional cargo is vaporized to make up the shortfall.

Floating LNG technology is developing rapidly as part of the industry’s quest for resources in more remote waters and also because of safety and environmental considerations to keep them away from highly populated areas.

Foreseeing the need for more remote projects to be able to overcome even more challenging cost barriers, whilst still meeting increasingly stringent safety and environmental standards, DNV GL embarked on an Extraordinary Innovation Project to explore the future of LNG technology.

The unique feature of the DNV GL FLNG concept is that it would be unmanned.

 As there will be no one living on board or working on the FLNG terminal during normal operation, the associated personal safety risks are eliminated. When personnel do enter for maintenance requirements, it would be prepared for a safe working environment. A new support and accommodation vessel concept and its associated docking system to the FLNG terminal would further boost safety considerations.

Existing frontier oil and gas projects have already resulted in tremendous technological developments, particularly in the subsea area. Operators are already controlling subsea installations and simple, fixed offshore installations remotely from shore. Given the on-going advances in autonomous systems and remote operations, unmanned offshore installations are a natural development over the next decade.

We look forward to the development and implementation of an ‘Unmanned FLNG’ terminal for its benefits, particularly in remote areas and compliment DNV GL for their contribution in this new innovation.