LNG Regasification Vessel – The First Offshore LNG Facility

摘要

Active studies have been made on the offshore LNG receiving terminal by many people around world. Especially in USA, many actual LNG receiving terminal projects are under progress and some are under engineering and construction stages. Among the candidates, the LNG Regassification Vessel (LNG RV) would be the first offshore LNG receiving facility. The successful operation of the LNG RV would accelerate the similar application by proving technical and commercial grounds. The LNG RV adopts onboard regasification (regas) and turret facilities in addition to the conventional LNG carrier. The regas process is mainly composed of the LNG feed pumps, high pressure LNG pumps, vaporizers, and send-out equipment, which are similar to those of a land-based LNG receiving terminal. The regas capacity of the vessel is approximately 500 mmscfd. The first LNG RV has been delivered to her ship owner in January 2005 after successful completion of the gas and regas trial. The first commercial operation will start later March, 2005. So, at the time of this paper presentation, the operation of the first cargo would have completed in the Gulf of Mexico. The experiences gained from the first LNG RV implementation could be a step stone for the future offshore LNG terminal technologies.