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EDGE LNG TRANSFER T he liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry thrives on new ways of doing things. As Ira Joseph, Head of Global Gas and Power Analytics at S&P Global Platts, recently wrote in the commodities bible Platts, “Breaking taboos in the LNG industry is a time-honored tradition.” This sentiment has underpinned Trelleborg’s work in the LNG infrastructure sector for many years. For LNG projects to succeed, they need to embrace fresh thinking when it comes to the transfer zone and to do things d ifferently from the fuels that have gone before. This is more important than ever in view of the dynamics of the m arket, marked by rapid evolution. The long-term outlook for LNG appears healthy, but it’s not without complications. This means that there can be no letup in the pace of development of physical infrastructure that reduces both capex and opex for energy majors, terminal operators and others involved in the transport of LNG. “LNG demand will only grow if the pricing point can be lowered, and it is the sellers that will need to foot the bill,” Joseph wrote. “Shaving down costs on delivery of LNG is necessary for gas to find a sustainable market.” Few large terminals are set up to cater to smaller LNG carriers, a d eficiency that suppliers hope to rectify by tapping underused floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs) anchored near areas of stranded demand. “At the Gastech exhibition and conference last year, we saw how this is now coming together as the market adapts to these trends,” says Vincent Lagarrigue, Oil & Marine Director within Trelleborg Industrial Solutions. “There is Right: The cost advantages of floating infrastructure, as well as its inherent flexibility, are gaining prominence. Left: Floating hoses connected and ready for final installation. PHOTO: CONNECT LNG PHOTO: TRELLEBORG 4 | 1.2020 T·TIME W W W.T R E L L E B O R G . C O M
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a strong trend toward a more comprehensive chain of floating infrastructure. In addition to FSRUs, the idea of floating power plants is also becoming increasingly popular. Similarly, many existing FSRUs are being upgraded to handle smaller carriers and bunker barges. Overall, the cost advantages of floating infrastructure, as well as its inherent flexibility, are gaining prominence.” Engineering, procurement and construction companies are now entering the small- and mediumscale LNG market as it matures into a fully comprehensive energy s upply chain. With it, they are bringing global scale and expertise that is helping to develop best practices. Trelleborg’s Cryoline technology allows transfers that would otherwise not be feasible due to environmental concerns or remote locations. W W W.T R E L L E B O R G . C O M “Cryoline technology when combined with a floating p latform makes it possible to bring infrastructure to the v essel.” Vincent Lagarrigue, Trelleborg T·TIME 1.2020 | 5
