Floating LNG vessel allows Argentina to tap into the shale gas reserves of Vaca Muerta, some of the largest in the world
Argentina is now an LNG exporting nation, after commissioning the first chilled cargo from Tango FLNG, the first floating LNG vessel in the Americas.
Exmar reported performance acceptance tests have been successful, the first cargo of about 25,000 m3 has been offloaded and will be exported out of Argentina.
For Argentina, Tango FLNG allows the country to capitalise on the vast shale gas reserves of Vaca Muerta field, among the world’s largest at an estimated 308Tn ft3.
The start-up of the barge-based Tango FLNG was performed in rapid fashion, with the contract signed in November 2018 and delivery acceptance of the floating unit in Bahia Blanca in February 2019.
“For Exmar, the successful performance test in Bahia Blanca confirms the technical capabilities of Tango FLNG”, said Exmar chief executive Nicolas Saverys.
US-based engineering firm Black & Veatch used its Prico single-mixed refrigerant loop liquefaction technology to complete its guaranteed performance testing aboard Exmar’s Tango FLNG (ex Caribbean FLNG).
Under an agreement between Exmar and Argentinian energy company YPF, Tango FLNG will spend the next 10 years moored in Bahia Blanca, Argentina. With a length overall of 144 m, beam of 32 m, draught of 5.4 m and capacity of 16,100 m3, Tango FLNG will produce approximately 0.5 mta of LNG.
Earlier this year, Black & Veatch received a full notice to proceed from Gimi MS Corporation, a subsidiary of Golar LNG, to design, construct and deliver an FLNG unit. It is working with Singapore’s Keppel O&M on converting the LNG carrier Gimi into an FLNG vessel supporting the development of Phase 1 of BP’s Greater Tortue/Ahmeyim field, located offshore West Africa near the Mauritania – Senegal maritime border. Delivery of the FLNG vessel will be in H1 2022.
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