New rules and standards for offshore LNG terminals

Jaime Kammerzell
Gulf of Mexico Editor
Offshore

DNV has recently issued new standards for offshore LNG terminals.

The new DNV standards identify and address novel hazards and technical challenges to ensure safety throughout the new LNG terminals.

These documents cover aspects such as structural design, safety arrangements, fire protection, and the design of gas-treatment systems.

High energy prices and an increasing demand for cleaner fuels are changing the way in which the gas markets, and particularly the LNG market, operate. New trades will open in the coming year and new terminals will be built.

At the start of this year, there were 22 LNG plants worldwide. Thirteen new plants are under construction while another 25 are under consideration. By introducing the new rules, DNV is at the forefront and prepared for progress.

Offshore LNG terminals may be either floating or fixed installations. The new terminal technology represents a combination of existing known technologies.

DNV has developed the new standards based on experience of land-based LNG terminals, the marine storage and transportation of LNG, concrete offshore oil and gas installations, and offshore oil and gas production facilities.

Besides the terminal itself, the new standards also describe services offered in connection with pipelines and with marine operations associated with transportation and installation.

The new LNG standards are now included in the DNV Offshore Codes, which were launched in 1999. The DNV Offshore Codes consist of Offshore Service Specifications, Offshore Standards, and Recommended Practices.

05/04/05