Floating LNG power plant gets DNV GL AIP

A 3D model of the FLPS concept. FLPS is the registered trademark of IHI Corporation in Japan

AUGUST 11, 2016 — Japan’s IHI Corporation has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from classificatiom society DNV GL for its FLPS (Floating LNG Power Station) concept.

The FLPS concept is a combination of a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) and a power plant. It is expected to be installed in locations where alternative onshore infrastructure is not feasible or commercially viable, while energy demand is rapidly increasing and allows the receiving location to take advantage of the availability of natural gas as part of its power mix.

The main functions of the FLPS are LNG loading from a visiting LNG carrier, regasification of the LNG, power generation using natural gas and export of electricity to the onshore grid.

The FLPS is designed to be capable of remaining on location for up to 25 years without drydocking. It uses a single point mooring tower yoke for position keeping, if a jetty meeting the required draft requirement is not available.

The LNG is stored in two SPB (Self-supporting, Prismatic shape, IMO type B) containment tanks developed by shipbuilder Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU), IHI’s joint partner.

Regasification takes place in the topside facility located on the deck of the FLPS and the gas is then fed to the power generation system, which uses an energy-efficient combined cycle consisting of gas turbines with heat recovery steam generators and steam turbine. The power is supplied to the onshore electricity grid by high voltage subsea power cables.The FLPS concept has been developed based on IHI’s long experience with onshore LNG receiving terminals and LNG containment systems, and JMU’s long experience with shipbuilding, offshore and SPB technology.

The formal handover of the Approval in Principle took place in Tokyo on July 5.