LNG Regasification Vessel – The First Offshore LNG Facility

摘要

Active studies have been made on the offshore LNG receivingrnterminal by many people around world. Especially in USA,rnmany actual LNG receiving terminal projects are under progressrnand some are under engineering and construction stages. Amongrnthe candidates, the LNG Regassification Vessel (LNG RV)rnwould be the first offshore LNG receiving facility. Thernsuccessful operation of the LNG RV would accelerate thernsimilar application by proving technical and commercialrngrounds. The LNG RV adopts onboard regasification (regas)rnand turret facilities in addition to the conventional LNG carrier.rnThe regas process is mainly composed of the LNG feed pumps,rnhigh pressure LNG pumps, vaporizers, and send-out equipment,rnwhich are similar to those of a land-based LNG receivingrnterminal. The regas capacity of the vessel is approximately 500rnmmscfd. The first LNG RV has been delivered to her shiprnowner in January 2005 after successful completion of the gasrnand regas trial. The first commercial operation will start laterrnMarch, 2005. So, at the time of this paper presentation, thernoperation of the first cargo would have completed in the Gulf ofrnMexico. The experiences gained from the first LNG RVrnimplementation could be a step stone for the future offshorernLNG terminal technologies.