Exmar FLNG vessel passes performance test in China

Sept. 27, 2016
Wison Offshore & Marine has completed the performance test of the world’s first barge-based floating liquefied natural gas unit at its yard in Nantong, China.

Offshore staff

SHANGHAI, China– Wison Offshore & Marine has completed the performance test of the world’s first barge-based floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) unit at its yard in Nantong, China. This marks for the first time LNG has been produced onboard a floating facility.

The performance test of theCaribbean FLNGvessel was carried out in the presence of classification societies, Exmar, and all the relevant parties. During the 72-hour test, the vessel’s performance ensured all key design requirements and production capacities were achieved for the unit’s operational effectiveness.

TheCaribbean FLNG project is being delivered by Wison under an engineering, procurement, construction, installation, and commissioning (EPCIC) contract with Exmar.

Both the gas trial and performance test were completed at the company’s Nantong yard. This is the world’s first gas trial for a floating liquefaction unit before sail-out. All systems on the FLNG unit were commissioned and tested without leaving the shipyard by using LNG to supply gas without connection to a pipeline. Conducting gas trials and performance testing in the shipyard, Wison says, shortened the time required for project completion.

Wei Huaqing, project manager for the FLNG project and deputy general manager of Wison (Nantong) Heavy Industry, said: “The successful completion of performance test verified Wison’s comprehensive project management capabilities from engineering design, supplier management to fabrication, demonstrating our integrated EPCIC project delivery capability in complicated and challenging projects.”

An Wenxin, senior vice president of Wison Offshore & Marine, said: “Floating LNG production, storage, and transportation facilities are emerging markets with large potential. The small-scale FLNG being delivered by Wison has design advantages with low-cost and compact features, providing the market with more economical and efficient solutions.”

In March,Exmar NV and Pacific Exploration and Production agreed to terminate a liquefaction and storage agreement associated with the Caribbean FLNG. The vessel was slated to be moored in the La Creciente gas field offshore Colombia.

09/27/2016