Det Norske Veritas and Germanischer Lloyd (DNV GL), an international classification society, have given IHI the approval in principle for its design of a Floating LNG Power Station (FLPS). The concept is a combination of a FSRU and a power plant.
The flexible FLPS will be installed in locations where alternative onshore infrastructure is not feasible or commercially viable, while energy demand is rapidly increasing. The solution builds on the global trend towards decentralised power generation.
Main functions of the FLPS are LNG loading from a visiting tanker, regasification of the LNG, power generation using natural gas and export of electricity to onshore grid. The FLPS is designed to be able to stay in the same location for up to 25 years without dry-docking. It uses a single point mooring tower yoke for position keeping, if the jetty meeting the draft requirement for both LNG carrier and FLPS is not available.
The LNG to fuel the power station is in two SPB tanks (Self-supporting, Prismatic shape, IMO type B), developed by IHI’s partner Japan Marine United Corp, with the tanks contained within the hull of the floating power gen facility.
Regasification takes place in the topside facility on the deck of the FLPS and the gas is then fed to the power generation system, which uses combined-cycle system with gas turbines, HRSGs and steam turbines. The power is supplied to the onshore electricity grid by high voltage subsea power cables.
IHI and JMU jointly developed the concept
The Floating LNG Power Station concept has been developed based on IHI’s long experience with onshore LNG receiving terminals and containment systems, and JMU’s expertise with shipbuilding, offshore and SPB technology.
After carrying out studies of the design, DNV GL issued an Approval in Principle for the concept. According to Conn Fagan, DNV GL head of business development for offshore gas projects, the FLPS “represents a move forward in developing technology which can be used to supply energy needs around the world.
“It has potential for many different applications, both short term and also long term, and will add a flexibility to the energy mix wherever it may be deployed,” he commented.