LNG ocean transportation: experience and prospects

Abstract

There are increasing liquefied natural gas (LNG) demands from many parts of the world because LNG is now considered safe and is less polluting. The demands are to be met by an increase in new liquefaction plants that are based from the unconventional gas and new discoveries. The new liquefaction plants under consideration will be built with higher efficiency in environmentally responsible manners. This means the whole LNG supply chain, from the well heads, gas treatment, liquefaction,; transportation, and regasification, must be designed and configured with low emissions and high efficiency. Additionally, there is also a drive to lower the cost of natural gas liquefaction and improve the value of the LNG regasification plant. This chapter discusses the development, advances, innovations, and new ideas in the LNG supply chain. The focus will be on more efficient liquefaction technology, larger and higher efficiency drivers, improved liquefaction equipment design, NGL recovery, LNG regasification, and LNG cold utilization. The applications of some of these technologies may further improve the image of the LNG industries.