Trends and Technologies in LNG Carriers and Offshore LNG Facilities
摘要
It is believed that the LNG carrier shipbuilding sector has contributed some portion to the growth of LNG industries by providing competitive and safe transportation means. The motivation of lowering the unit transportation cost of LNG for the long distance from production plant has brought substantial changes in the sizes of the LNG carriers and the propulsion systems. For these 5 years, the trend of the propulsion system has moved very quickly from the conventional boiler and steam system to higher efficiency dual fuel diesel electric system or slow speed diesel engine with onboard re-liquefaction system. The vessel size has grown from 138K (138,000m3) up to 210K or 260K class. Several large LNG carriers with re-liquefaction system and some with dual fuel engine driven electric propulsion system already started their commercial operations. The larger cargo capacity together with the higher propulsion efficiency has brought the operation competitiveness for long distance voyage. Other important trend is wide acceptance of FSRU (Floating Storage and Regasification Unit) and LNG FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) concepts. Several LNG regasification vessels are in operations, some FSRU's are under construction or planning stages, and many LNG FPSO projects are under feasibility study. This paper covers the recent status and technology developments in LNG carriers and offshore LNG facilities.Introduction. LNG chains of gas exploration, production, liquefaction, transportation, and regasification are cross-related. Recent delays in LNG production facilities around world are impacting to the temporally surplus of LNG vessel fleet and postponement of the LNG receiving facility start ups is an example of the relationship. With the reason, understanding technologies in other sectors of the LNG industries would give better insight to the future trends and alternative solutions. Though the main function of the LNG shipping, safe transportation of LNG with comp