Naturgy

Naturgy embraces CLNG innovation

The LNG industry is looking at a new era in LNG distribution. Naturgy, a Spanish energy player in the global LNG space, intends on realising smarter solutions for turn-key LNG supply, from shipping, supply of molecules, unloading onshore and distribution by land transport. Their goal is to enable the rapid expansion of the LNG value chain to support emerging markets and developing countries where population growth has meant a vast demand increase in power.

In Oct 2017, the first ever jettyless LNG transfer from ship to shore became a reality.

First gas within 9 months

The design and fabrication of the IQuay involved application of the highest safety standards. The complete system has undergone an extensive classification process by DNV GL and was classified under "Offshore Loading Buoy". From the finalisation of the detailed design phase to successful hook-up to the terminal, project execution took less than 6 months. The permitting process for the marine installation took only 3 months compared to 3 years for a quay constructed at the same location. In addition, the patented jettyless solution was installed at Herøya terminal one day after arrival from the dockyard, and was in full operation the day after, which exemplifies the rapid deployment ability of the jettyless solution compared to fixed infrastructure.

During the LNG operation, pre-cooling was successfully performed from ambient temperature to -120 degC using both cold nitrogen gas supplied from shore and BOG supplied from the LNG carrier, with actual pre-cooling times matching well with expectations. The project site is in an immediate proximity to an estuary causing high cross currents on the jettyless system throughout the transfer operation.

Despite the environment conditions, and the fact that the bow of the IQuay was moored to shore in idle mode with the floating hoses in a “C” shape, effectively requiring a full 180 degrees turn to connect the IQuay to the moored LNGC, tug maneuvering proved effortless. During the transfer operation the onshore tanks were filled successfully with communication between the terminal operators and the vessel chief. The draining and purging process post-operation proved faster than expected. Following the LNGC’s departure, the IQuay platform maneuvered back to idle mode, which concluded a successful jettyless LNG transfer operation.

Satisfied stakeholders

The operation tool place at Herøya - one of Norway's largest industrial parks. ECONNECT Energy carried out the complete operation, including transfer of LNG from Anthony Veder's LNG carrier, Coral Energy, to Air Liquide Skagerak's onshore LNG terminal.

The patented IQuay jettyless transfer system is a game changing floating solution for LNG transfer between ship and shore that replaces the need for costly construction of fixed infrastructure, such as a jetty or quay, and is particularly suited to environmentally sensitive coastal areas. This solution allows for rapid expansion of the value chain based on the plug & play nature inherent in the design which requires no modifications to the LNG carrier.

As a pioneer in gas and electricity integration, Naturgy Energy Group S.A. is a multinational group specialising in the treatment, transportation and distribution of natural gas, operating in 28 countries with almost 18 million customers and over 11 thousand employees. The company is present across the natural gas value chain, with gas pipelines, liquefaction, storage and regasification plants, as well as a fleet of LNG carriers, the company is well positioned and sufficiently flexible to meet global future energy needs.

ECONNECT Energy was established in 2012 with the belief that cleaner and cheaper energy should be accessible world-wide. Based on decades of Norwegian experience within the energy, shipping and maritime industries, ECONNECT Energy developed a cost-effective and flexible LNG transfer system which is turning a belief into a reality.