PFLNG1 - Completing the LNG Value Chain Through Technology

Abstract

Abstract PETRONAS has developed a Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) to capitalize and monetize on the availability of the gas resulting from the development of several gas fields in Malaysia. FLNG is a concept where there is an integration of the floating production, storage and offloading unit with LNG production facilities on the deck. It refers to liquefied natural gas (LNG) operations employing technologies designed to enable the development of natural gas resources located offshore. Floating near to an offshore natural gas field, the FLNG facility will be able to produce, liquefy, store and carry out ship-to-ship transfer of LNG at sea before LNG carriers ship it directly to markets. Since everything is carried out at sea, there is no need to construct any jetty, breakwater ar even LNG tank farms. PETRONAS has taken a bold decision to embark on the first of its kind offshore LNG liquefaction facility. FLNG signifies PETRONAS’ technology advancement solution which adds value to marginal and stranded offshore gas resources which otherwise would be uneconomical to be developed, hence becomes a benchmark for the execution of similar-scale FLNG facility. PETRONAS Floating LNG concept was envisaged to monetise stranded gas resources. The two floaters namely PFLNG1 & PFLNG2 for offshore Sarawak and Sabah respectively will increase the country's LNG production capacity by approximately 8% (2.5 MTPA). This paper will highlight the first FLNG developed by PETRONAS; the PETRONAS Floating LNG Satu (PFLNG1). The PFLNG1 is designed based on a new built vessel rated for 1.2 MTPA LNG production capacities. The facility will receive feed gas from an identified gas fields which is operated by PETRONAS through a subsea pipeline at the water depth of about 77 meters. The design is based on a new built vessel with LNG storage capacity of 177,000 m3, condensate storage capacity of 20,000 m3. The design life for both hull and topside is for 20 years without the requirement for dry-docking. The hull was design in the ship-shaped form and adopted relevant marine standards and techical requirements. Earlier, the PFLNG1 was constructed at a shipyard located in South Korea. Upon the completion of the construction phase, the facility was towed to site before it was hooked up to the sea bed using the turret mooring system. The facility will have a weathervaning capability which allows it to rotate 360 degree around the turret to ensure right heading during its operation.