Technology of Floating Production Storage and Offloading
3.
TECHNOLOGY REVIEW
The anticipated long-term growth in U.S. natural gas demand will require the construction and operation of both onshore and offshore LNG terminals. Recently, several offshore LNG terminals have been proposed to increase LNG deliveries to market centers where onshore facilities cannot realistically be sited. The technologies and experience developed for offshore oil infrastructure and onshore LNG terminals can be applied to the development and operation of offshore LNG terminals. The proposed offshore LNG terminals benefit from the record of safety and reliability that has been achieved by the offshore oil industry and by onshore LNG terminals around the world. Each of the essential components of Broadwater’s FSRU has been used safely and reliably in both offshore petroleum and onshore LNG terminal operations. The main difference is the scale of the application proposed for Broadwater. Offshore siting innovations for LNG facilities necessitate new rules and guidelines for the design, construction and maintenance of such facilities. Since 1862, ABS has developed such rules and guidelines for the maritime industry. ABS has published a guide for building and classing offshore LNG terminals that puts forth a comprehensive set of criteria.80 The classification process begins with an assessment of design and continues throughout the operational life of the offshore LNG facility. Such oversight ensures the continued adherence to the ABS rules and guidelines and other relevant standards beyond the initiation of service through the installation and operation of the facility.81 LAI’s technology study objectives were threefold: first, to evaluate the various types of offshore LNG facilities; second, to identify the technology limitations of the FSRU, its major components and the YMS; and, third, to assess operational issues with the FSRU and LNG transfer. LAI’s technology review was based on data obtained from the draft and final EISs from other
TECHNOLOGY REVIEW
The anticipated long-term growth in U.S. natural gas demand will require the construction and operation of both onshore and offshore LNG terminals. Recently, several offshore LNG terminals have been proposed to increase LNG deliveries to market centers where onshore facilities cannot realistically be sited. The technologies and experience developed for offshore oil infrastructure and onshore LNG terminals can be applied to the development and operation of offshore LNG terminals. The proposed offshore LNG terminals benefit from the record of safety and reliability that has been achieved by the offshore oil industry and by onshore LNG terminals around the world. Each of the essential components of Broadwater’s FSRU has been used safely and reliably in both offshore petroleum and onshore LNG terminal operations. The main difference is the scale of the application proposed for Broadwater. Offshore siting innovations for LNG facilities necessitate new rules and guidelines for the design, construction and maintenance of such facilities. Since 1862, ABS has developed such rules and guidelines for the maritime industry. ABS has published a guide for building and classing offshore LNG terminals that puts forth a comprehensive set of criteria.80 The classification process begins with an assessment of design and continues throughout the operational life of the offshore LNG facility. Such oversight ensures the continued adherence to the ABS rules and guidelines and other relevant standards beyond the initiation of service through the installation and operation of the facility.81 LAI’s technology study objectives were threefold: first, to evaluate the various types of offshore LNG facilities; second, to identify the technology limitations of the FSRU, its major components and the YMS; and, third, to assess operational issues with the FSRU and LNG transfer. LAI’s technology review was based on data obtained from the draft and final EISs from other