Re-Shaping LNG Transfer

Abstract

Abstract The LNG market remains in relative infancy in terms of the development of infrastructure to meet increasing supply and demand. Given its unique make-up compared to traditional oil and gas transposition, new and innovative means of transferring LNG have had to emerge; factoring the unique composition of LNG (i.e. chemical and physical properties) and the critical importance of safety while loading and unloading. Moreover, LNG Infrastructure is moving into new frontiers for a variety of reasons. LNG exporters are seeking new markets and evolution of small and medium scale LNG demand will necessitate splitting of LNG into smaller load parcels. Power generation, and LNG terminals, are being constructed in locations that have traditionally been ‘off-grid’ – disconnected from pipelines. More flexible options are required to fit a broader range of vessel sizes, locations, weather conditions and infrastructure conditions. One key element in unlocking new transfer options is fresh thinking around ship-to-shore transfer and the development of game-changing floating composite cryogenic hose technology. Composite LNG hoses typically consist of multiple, unbonded, polymeric film and woven fabric layers encapsulated between two stainless steel wire helices – one internal and one external. Essentially, the film layers provide a fluid-tight barrier to the conveyed product, with the mechanical strength of the hose coming from woven fabric layers. The number and arrangement of multiple polymeric film and woven fabric layers is specific to the hose size and application. The polymeric film and fabric materials are selected to be compatible with the conveyed product and the operating temperatures likely to be encountered. This technology cost-effective technology has enabled a recalibration of traditional thinking around ship-to-shore LNG transfer. Designed for fatigue resistance in even the most hazardous conditions, cryogenic floating hose technology typically provides a viable alternative to traditional jetty-based transference in circumstances that would make such infrastructure unfeasible – for example, harsh environments, areas where water is too deep to accommodate jetty construction, or too shallow to allow large vessels to moor alongside. These cryogenic hoses also expand options for offshore ship-to-ship transfers in a broader range of locations; for example, in tandem configuration, vessels can be moored as much as 300 to 500 meters away from a storage unit. This enables ship-to-ship transfer in deeper waters in even the most challenging conditions - with the increased separation distance mitigating the risk of collision and ensuring the safety of the vessels and crew. In this paper, we will discuss the multiple applications of cryogenic floating hose technology and how it is re-shaping ship-to-shore and ship-to-ship transfer.