Floating concept cuts capex for small-scale LNG projects

Small-scale LNG import projects face numerous technical, commercial and permitting challenges. When compared to liquid fuel infrastructure, the cost of replacing existing infrastructure with LNG can be daunting. Despite the price stability and environmental advantages of LNG, the high cost of landing, storing and handling LNG has stalled many LNG projects.

For world-scale LNG projects, the introduction of FSRUs has facilitated many LNG import projects. The advantages are clear: reduced permitting hurdles, shorter time to first gas, simplified financing and reduced capital cost. Today, FSRUs are recognised as an enabling technology for world-scale projects.

The infrastructure costs for small-scale LNG import projects can be several times the $/t of world-scale FSRU projects. Bespoke technical solutions, both land-based and floating, have high price tags and long lead times to first gas.

SSRC Technologies AS has developed a flexible floating storage solution that can dramatically reduce the cost of landing, storing and handling LNG. The jetty-moored SSRC Flex-FSU employs the unique Type B SSRC containment system, enabling storage capacities from 10,000m³ to 100,000m³.

The scalable, single basic tank and barge design for all capacities enables the cost savings of mass production. The SSRC tank design reduces the steel weight up to 50% compared to conventional tanks, significantly reducing material costs and carbon footprint during manufacturing. The barge can act as a jetty for small-scale carriers and the terminal capacity can easily be expanded over time by adding additional units moored together.

As political pressure is mounting worldwide to displace liquid fuels with environmentally friendly LNG, the SSRC Flex-FSU concept is an enabling technology for the realisation of small-scale LNG projects.