FLNG Fundamentals

In large gas fields located remote from markets (sometimes referred to as stranded gas) or in smaller gas fields (including gas associated with oil), the logistics or economics of pipelining the gas to market may not be feasible.

Gas is shipped to distant markets as a liquefied product (LNG) and the technology of LNG is well established. Liquefaction (by cooling to minus 162 degrees C) occurs in large land based plants and is transported to receiving terminals in LNG carrier vessels.

Floating LNG (FLNG) takes liquefaction technologies into a floating production system which can be located close to offshore gas fields. It is not a new idea and has been under consideration for more than 20 years. There are a number of technological challenges which have been the subject of study, design development and testing.

Currently there is a major resurgence in FLNG – the first FLNG vessels are under construction and scheduled to be deployed over the next few years. This course is therefore a timely event for all those interested in this emerging technology and its associated challenges.