7/24/2009   Webnews July 2009   
  
    
New technologies for small scale LNG supply chain and CO2 transportation

Current political discussions and changes in legislations are reasons for new environmentally friendly technologies being developed, e.g. for small scale LNG applications as well as for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) projects.

TGE has already started investigations and engineering of small scale LNG transportation schemes some 4 years ago. Several of TGE’s existing ethylene tank and carrier designs for LNG services have been upgraded. First commercial success was achieved in this new market segment by signing the contract for the first combined LNG/Ethylene-carrier of 7,500 cbm capacity, which has been in service since mid May 2009.

During the last financial year, TGE has further substantially invested in R&D projects related to small scale LNG supply and CO2 liquefaction as well as transportation. Due to political pressure to reduce CO2 emissions, the utilization of LNG as fuel for small power plants in order to substitute diesel or HFO has become an interesting alternative, especially for islands. The most economical solutions for these schemes are based on small LNG receiving terminals – onshore or offshore - to be served by small LNG carriers. TGE’s references are covering the complete chain from liquefaction to regasification.

At GASTECH conference in May 2009 in Abu Dhabi, TGE presented papers on “LNG import schemes for Mediterranean islands” as well as “Efficient, low cost LNG BOG Handling system”, which  were developed in close co-operation with Burckhardt Compression.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) projects are gaining momentum as the EU is sponsoring several pilot projects with the aim to have more than 10 plants operational in 2014. TGE has investigated the liquefaction and tank technology for a CO2 hub – either onshore or offshore - as well as the shipping technology for liquid CO2 transport to offshore locations, including heating up and pumping of CO2 into empty oil or gas fields.

Presentations to all of the above mentioned subjects are now available as downloads on our website.

For any further information, please email Klaus Dieter Gerdsmeyer:

klaus.gerdsmeyer@tge-marine.com