BV classes newbuild FRU for Ghana’s new LNG import terminal

Paired with a Moss-type LNG carrier floating storage unit (FSU) and permanently moored at a breakwater, Torman FRU regasifies LNG, sending the gas via a subsea pipeline for delivery to onshore consumers. The natural gas will be mostly used for power generation.

Tema LNG Terminal Co awarded Spain’s Reganosa the contract for the operation and maintenance of the FSU and FRU, the associated 6-km gas pipeline, and pressure reduction and metering station connected to the existing pipeline network.

Gasfin Development’s LNG import facility paves the way for the first deliveries of LNG to a terminal in sub-Saharan Africa by the end of March. The volume that Ghana National Petroleum Corporation will be taking is equivalent to circa 1,300 MW of combined cycle power plant capacity – about a third of Ghana’s power demand.

The 95-m box-shaped FRU was built by China’s CSSC Jiangnan Shipyard with two IMO type C tanks, with a combined storage capacity of 28,000 m³. The LNG FRU is designed for a regasification capacity of around 1.7M tonnes of LNG per year and will be in operation for 20 years.

The classification and certification scope, successfully conducted by Bureau Veritas, included the design, review, approval, material certification, and construction surveys of the LNG FRU at Jiangnan shipyard and Tema port. Additionally, Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore – the consultative arm of Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore – ensured verification and surveys associated with the design, fabrication, and incorporation of the natural gas send-out heater skid system onto the Torman LNG FRU.

During the unit’s service years, Bureau Veritas will be supporting Gasfin’s management, reassuring stakeholders of the structural soundness of the unit and its safety, through regular conformity checks to BV classification rules and international standards.

BV vice president Middle East, Africa and India Kerem Kiper said “This project proves that alternative solutions to produce and store electricity are available. It opens up new opportunities in Africa for LNG floating units.”