How to get LNG to shore without a jetty

Example concept of the Wärtsilä power barge and floating storage and regasification barge (FSRB) at shore and LNG connection by floating hoses to the carrie

MARCH 27, 2017 — Wärtsilä has partnered with marine design consultancy Houlder and hose supplier Trelleborg to develop a system for transferring LNG from the carrier vessel to shoreline terminals where no jetty exists.

The concept will be unveiled at this year’s Gastech conference and exhibition in Tokyo, April 4-7.

LNG is becoming increasingly important to the energy strategies of island and other coastal communities worldwide. However, the major civil works required for building new harbors, quays and jetties may be an obstacle for many communities. Recognizing this Wärtsilä has combined its talents for innovation with those of Houlder and Trelleborg to develop an alternative solution.

“Wärtsilä as an EPC contractor sees this collaborative concept as being an enabler for new and smarter LNG terminal solutions serving various small-scale LNG consumers in situations where building a jetty is not feasible or cost-effective,” says Kenneth Engblom, Director, Sales and Marketing, LNG Solutions at Wärtsilä.

The jettyless concept has been developed to enable the transfer of LNG from small to mid-scale carriers to onshore or floating storage and regasification terminals where it is not feasible to construct a jetty for mooring the vessel.

The floating transfer terminal by Houlder comprises a self-propelled barge that shuttles to and from LNG vessels moored up to 800 metres offshore and includes an integrated transfer arm developed by Houlder and Klaw LNG. Trelleborg Cryoline LNG Floating Hoses are then used to transfer the LNG and boil-off gas between the barge and any shore facility. The hoses combine high flexibility, reliability, and long service life to meet the safety, flow rate, and operational availability requirements of LNG operators and contractors.

Gianpaolo Benedetti, Houlder’s LNG Business Development Manager, described the floating transfer terminal as “taking the jetty to the LNG vessel, rather than have the LNG vessel come to the jetty.”

The jettyless concept is being offered as a low investment and quick installation solution in situations where the cost of building a jetty is prohibitive. Because each location has its own characteristics, Wärtsilä develops different concepts to suit the particular situation.