Keppel Shipyard has signed its third contract with Golar LNG worth approximately US$684 million for a floating LNG conversion.
Keppel Shipyard will convert Golar’s Moss type LNG carrier, the Gandria, into a Golar Floating LNG (GoFLNG) facility.
GoFLNG Gandria will be delivered approximately 31 months after Keppel Shipyard receives a notice to proceed, which is expected to be in 2016. The Gandria conversion is due to be used by UK-based independent Ophir Energy on its Fortuna development in deepwater Equatorial Guinea, with delivery expected in 2019.
The project is expected to realize Africa's first newbuild, open seas, FLNG project, according to Ophir, developing its assets in Block R, containing some 3.4 Tcf estimated mean recovered resources, in 600-1950m water depth.
Keppel already has contracts to convert two other carriers, the Gimi and Hilli into GoFLNG facilities. The Gimi was due to be used on Ophir's Equatorial Guinea project, but, Golar LNG says using the Gandria will release the Gimi to be used on another proposed LNG project, scheduled for start-up in 2018. Golar LNG didn't say what project this would be on. The Hilli is due to be used on French independent Perenco's floating LNG gas export facility offshore Cameroon.
UK-based Golar LNG CEO, Gary Smith says Keppel has previously performed the conversions of three LNG carriers to floating storage and regasification units for the firm. “We are now on track to repeat that success in our floating liquefaction efforts as well."
Keppel Shipyard will provide the design, detailed engineering and procurement of the marine systems and all of the conversion related construction services.
Black & Veatch will provide its licensed PRICO liquefaction process technology, perform detailed engineering and process design, specify and procure topside equipment, and provide commissioning support for the GoFLNG topsides and liquefaction process.
"GoFLNG facilities are set to reduce the cost and time required to monetize and deliver offshore gas to market. Now a year underway, the Hilli conversion project is progressing to plan,” says Michael Chia, managing director (Marine & Technology), Keppel O&M.
"Keppel Shipyard has recently set up a new design and technology arm, Gas Technology Development (GTD), to focus further efforts on solutions for LNG markets.
“With enhanced capabilities and more innovative solutions, we look forward to commercializing mid-scale LNG offshore sources in relatively benign met-ocean conditions in a more timely and cost efficient manner,” concludes Chia.
Currently Golar is working with a schedule which includes delivery of GoFLNG Hilli in Q1 2017, GoFLNG Gimi around mid-year 2018, and GoFLNG Gandria H1-2019. A final investment decision on the Fortuna project is expected in 2016 with first gas in 2019.
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