|
Anticipating LNG growth early this decade, ABS issued
its Guide for Building and Classing Offshore LNG Terminals in
2002 to address the technical, regulatory and jurisdictional issues
surrounding the 40-50 offshore terminals proposed worldwide.
“Next-generation LNG ships require advanced
technology that addresses the transport system. The pursuit of safe,
efficient LNG transport in this technology-driven effort, however,
creates global challenges as energy companies seek to maximize stakeholder
return and capitalize on stranded hydrocarbon assets,” said
Sember.
Today, some 160 LNG carriers are transporting liquefied gases.
All of these vessels are classed in an effort to facilitate safe,
reliable operation, says Sember, with ABS having built to class
67 LNG carriers.
Increasing demand for LNG from a current 125 million metric tons
per year to a forecast 200 million metric tons per year by the close
of the decade, will drive the need for more LNG carriers, with an
estimated 325-plus ships in the LNG fleet by 2015. These carriers
will require greater load capacity to accommodate changing trading
patterns.
Ship sizes are expected to nearly double from 145,000 cubic meters
to 250,000 cubic meters. ABS has the experience to understand the
technical issues associated with this dramatic expansion and is
poised to assist industry in the growth,” said Sember.
Issues impacting the need for larger LNG carriers include terminal
compatibility, propulsion, structural design and vessel performance,
he advises.
While the shipping industry has perfected LNG containment systems
for LNG transportation, the systems, in general, can be migrated
in a fairly straightforward manner to terminal applications, says
Sember.
“We see viable applications being considered for use of
both the membrane and independent tank concepts presently in use,”
said Sember.
To facilitate development of novel ship and containment designs,
ABS offers industry an alternative to prescriptive classification
rules with the goal of achieving ABS approval in principle (AIP)—the
first step in the regulatory and vessel certification process.
Sember joined panelists from INTEC Engineering and Excelerate
Energy at the Hart’s Global LNG Conference to discuss how
to transform LNG transportation challenges into opportunities.
The conference addressed new markets for stranded gas; opportunities
to invest in new fleets, the latest information on changing technologies,
permitting issues; aspects of the LNG value chain; approaches for
planning long-term LNG strategies; and opportunities for attracting
investment in LNG producing projects.
|
