LNG Downstream
As an alternative to the expansion of onshore LNG import terminals, EXMAR developed an innovative design allowing an LNG vessel to regasify the LNG on board and discharge the high pressure gas directly to the consumer grid system, through a dedicated mooring arrangement and subsea high pressure pipeline or via the onboard high pressure gas manifold that connects to a dockside off-loading arm, thereby bypassing the need for an onshore LNG import terminal.
The floating regasification technology provides a flexible and convenient entry to otherwise non-accessible gas markets. Compared to onshore facilities however, offshore regasification installations can deliver gas to market at lower cost with significantly shorter project lead time. The LNGRVs offer the flexibility to its charterers to be used as:
EXMAR was the first company to order and build an LNGRV, with delivery in 2005, and has consequently built up significant experience in the ownership, management and operation of regasification vessels around the world.
Eight vessels in the EXMAR fleet are fitted with ’regas’ facilities which enable LNG, shipped at a temperature of -163°C, to be heated up and unloaded in gaseous form.
EXMAR also develops small scale LNG solutions for remote areas and LNG bunkering supply chain solutions for the use of LNG as a marine fuel. EXMAR was further awarded the contract for the operation and maintenance of the FSRU Toscana Offshore Italy and is also assisting several private and national companies in the development of LNG import facilities.
Once the LNGRV is loaded, there are three distinct ways of discharging the LNG cargo:
The floating regasification technology provides a flexible and convenient entry to otherwise non-accessible gas markets. Compared to onshore facilities however, offshore regasification installations can deliver gas to market at lower cost with significantly shorter project lead time. The LNGRVs offer the flexibility to its charterers to be used as:
- An LNG shuttle tanker with regasification of LNG and delivery of natural gas to a dedicated market or
- An LNG floating storage and regasification unit for delivery of natural gas to one market or
- An LNG regasification vessel that can deliver LNG or regasified natural gas to a location, nominated by the charterer, depending on the current market conditions.
EXMAR was the first company to order and build an LNGRV, with delivery in 2005, and has consequently built up significant experience in the ownership, management and operation of regasification vessels around the world.
Eight vessels in the EXMAR fleet are fitted with ’regas’ facilities which enable LNG, shipped at a temperature of -163°C, to be heated up and unloaded in gaseous form.
EXMAR also develops small scale LNG solutions for remote areas and LNG bunkering supply chain solutions for the use of LNG as a marine fuel. EXMAR was further awarded the contract for the operation and maintenance of the FSRU Toscana Offshore Italy and is also assisting several private and national companies in the development of LNG import facilities.
Once the LNGRV is loaded, there are three distinct ways of discharging the LNG cargo:
• as liquid at a traditional LNG regasification terminal,
• as gas via a buoy based STL system that is anchored to the seabed and attached to the bottom of the vessel. The gas is then pumped via subsea pipeline to the shore.
• via the onboard high pressure gas manifold that connects to a dockside off-loading arm
• as gas via a buoy based STL system that is anchored to the seabed and attached to the bottom of the vessel. The gas is then pumped via subsea pipeline to the shore.
• via the onboard high pressure gas manifold that connects to a dockside off-loading arm
.