WORK METHODOLOGY IMPLEMENTED TO DIAGNOSE THE LNG TERMINAL OF FOS TONKIN AND SET UP THE OPTIONS FOR ITS LIFE EXTENSION

摘要

The LNG Terminal of Fos Tonkin (France) was built in the early 70's. It was first designed to accept LNG tanker up to 40 000 m~3 and with a nominal capacities of two times 35 000 m~3 and a send out of 3.5 BCM. In the course of the operation, several renovations and extensions have been made increasing the storage capacity of 80 000m~3, increasing the send out up to 7 BCM and allowing LNG tanker up to 75 000 m~3. ELENGY, the plant owner and operator, is reviewing the technical feasibility and economical viability of the plant renovation for a life extension up to 2035. The final decision will be taken after capacity booking is confirmed by the shippers and the permitting process is fully achieved. Tractebel Engineering was chosen to perform the studies required to establish the renovation strategy. The renovation will not only cover the required refurbishing and replacement but will improve safety and operation level. This renovation will face several challenges to combine the required works whilst ensuring the terminal operation and maintaining the safety level. This paper describes the work methodology that has been implemented to set up the required targets, to analyze the constraints, to define the necessary works and to organize their interfaces with the plant operation. The paper also stresses the importance of the communication and interactivity between the Engineering contractor, Tractebel Engineering, and the ELENGY plant operator's staff. The mutual understanding of organized actions and the sharing of the targets are key factors for renovation success.