Conceptual design of an offshore LNG bunkering terminal: a case study of Busan Port

Abstract

This study proposes the conceptual design of an offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering terminal that would play a critical role in the LNG supply chain for LNG-fueled ship propulsion. The principal functions of the LNG bunkering terminal include importing LNG from LNG carriers, storing it temporarily, and exporting the stored LNG to LNG bunkering shuttles or LNG-fueled ships. One of the critical issues facing cargo operation from a safety point of view is the treatment of boil-off gas (BOG) generated from several sources in the storage systems of the bunkering terminal. Several methods of handling BOG seem feasible. The employment of a pressure vessel with a re-liquefaction system is considered the most effective and safe alternative. As a case study, a conceptual design of Busan Port is carried out by analyzing the statistics of visiting ships, estimating the required LNG consumption, determining the hull structure, and anticipating the design cases. The results obtained include the number of target LNG-fueled ships and LNG bunkering shuttles, LNG demand, capacity, and type of hull structure for the bunkering terminal. To estimate the process specifications and equipment features of the topside system, the BOG generated from several sources is calculated.