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The floating LNG FPSO design concept from SBM Offshore and German-based gas processor Linde has reached another milestone toward commercialization with the completion of the concept’s review and the issuance of approval in principle (AIP) by ABS.

“This is one of the most comprehensive reviews for a floating gas concept by a class society to date,” commented ABS Staff Consultant Philip Rynn. “A complete hazard identification study (HAZID) and hazard operability analysis (HAZOP) were conducted on the proprietary technology and transport design submitted by SBM/Linde,” he added.

The SBM/Linde concept specifies a self-supporting, prismatic, IMO Type B (SPB) LNG tank technology developed by IHI of Japan for the storage of the liquefied gas. The Linde Multi-stage Mixed Refrigerant (LiMuM) process is specified for the liquefaction system. The FPSO facility will be able to treat, fractionate, liquefy, store and export the LNG as well as any gas field production by-products, such as LPG and condensates.

SBM/Linde plans to construct and commence production of gas from the first unit in 2012.

From a class society perspective, ABS has reviewed the conceptual design and verified that the concept offers an appropriate level of safety and is likely to meet regulatory requirements. The AIP concept is a risk-based approach to classification that allows for new designs and novel concepts to be validated with safety equivalencies. The approach has been particularly used for evaluating novel ship and gas containment and transport designs like the SBM/Linde LNG FPSO.

ABS engineers reviewing the design evaluated key aspects including: the integration of the LNG and LPG process plants on the hull, the hull structure and containment system, and the external turret mooring system.