Combining small to mid-scale LNG Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRU) with floating power barges provides flexible and easy access to emerging energy markets.
Significant quantities of liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies are emerging from production facilities under construction. The increased volume is leading to saturated off-taker markets. As a result, many molecule owners in the LNG sector will have a surplus. Due to these market conditions, LNG suppliers are exploring new market opportunities.
One of these opportunities is the small to mid-scale LNG supply chain based on marine transportation. This supply chain segment provides access to remote or underdeveloped markets with limited access to gas supplies.
The power barge concept is a proven technology: it satisfies the energy needs of emerging countries and regions quickly and safely. Despite the need for electricity in these regions,feasible ways to implement gas grid or LNG infrastructure has been lacking. As a result, leading energy providers have tended to select oil as their fuel of choice.
As gas has become more readily available, however, power projects using gas-based solutions on floating infrastructure have become commercially viable – when supported by the right technical solutions.
TGE Marine Gas Engineering GmbH is a market- leading engineering contractor for the design and supply of gas handling systems for gas carriers and offshore units. TGE Marine has been working on FSRU designs since the turn of the millennium and can deliver the complete FSRU design.
Burmeister & Wain Scandinavian Contractor A/S (BWSC) has 30+ years of experience in the design and supply of small to medium-sized power stations, and has successfully delivered more than 180 turnkey projects, including a number of power barges.
The basis for the technical development of the LNG-to- power solution are the existing designs for FSRUs and power barges as well as the current advances in both technologies. The power barge design can be adapted to particular project requirements and constraints. Design features include the integration of the power barge’s waste heat for regasification.
The power barge is equipped with multiple, large bore reciprocating engines operating in either pure gas mode ordual fuel systems using oil as a back-up fuel. This ensures high availability and efficiency from low loads to maximum capacity. In addition, the efficiency of reciprocating engines does not derate until an ambient temperature of 39°C or more is reached, which in tropical areas provides an advantage over other generation technologies. With a very low draught of less than four metres, a power barge does not require valuable quay space. Emission levels comply with World Bank Guidelines, and equipped with abatement systems, the power barge can meet even stricter emission limits.
