Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) has issued approvals in principle (AiPs) for various jetty-less solutions associated with offshore large-volume transfers of ammonia.
SBM Offshore subsidiary IMODCO Terminals developed the designs to accompany floating storage of ammonia, LNG or natural gas.
BV reviewed the designs of IMODCO’s Catenary Anchor Leg Mooring (CALM) buoy, CALM soft yoke and tower loading unit, which provide a connection to carriers transferring ammonia cargoes to onshore ammonia refineries, or storage via subsea pipelines.
By moving the transfer away from the shoreline and conventional jetty terminals, these systems are said to lessen the risk of toxic ammonia leaks dispersing into populated areas.
The AiPs followed a design review of different concepts in accordance with BV Rules covering offshore units, buoys, mooring systems and materials.
BV also delivered an overarching AiP covering all the jetty-less solutions comprising:
- CALM Buoy for transfer of Liquid NH3 (LT & HP);
- Tower Loading Unit for transfer of Liquid NH3 (LT & HP) or LNG (LT & HP);
- CALM Soft Yoke for permanent mooring of NH3 FSO/FSRU or LNG FSRU; and
- Short Footprint Buoy Mooring.
