Natural gas operating fleet receives AiP

The design has now obtained Lloyd's Register's (LR) Approval in Principle (AiP) certificate.

The development project was carried out under the terms of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) cooperation signed in June 2016 between the three companies.

The aim of the concept is to offer global operators a more efficient and economical fleet design that meets current and anticipated environmental requirements according to the classification rules. The fleet comprises four vessels: a pusher tug, LNG storage barge, LNG regasification barge, and a floating liquefaction natural gas barge. The pusher tug can be used to transport the three barges.

The concept's main advantages are its operative flexibility, and the fleet's competitive CAPEX and OPEX costs. The pusher tug makes all the units mobile and transportable. The number and choice of units will depend on the project, since not all of the concept's units are necessarily needed for every project.

The modular design of Wärtsilä's liquefaction and regasification units makes this concept suitable for gas plants in the 50 - 200 MW range. The low draft design also makes it attractive for gas power plant projects in South East Asia.

The project has attained the authority of China's National Patent Office and has been conceptualised by CHI. The design and engineering development, especially in relation to the hinge joint, mooring arrangement, ship type and seakeeping analysis, has also been carried out by CHI. Wärtsilä has supported this project through its experience in supplying LNG systems for the complete gas value chain. It is expected that when ordered, the fleet vessels will include Wärtsilä dual-fuel engines and steerable thrusters, the Wärtsilä LNGPac gas storage and supply system, a Wärtsilä liquefaction module, a Wärtsilä LNG cargo handling system, and a Wärtsilä regasification module.

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/gas-processing/13042017/natural-gas-operating-fleet-receives-aip/