Feature 4 | OffshOre LNG TechNOLOGy
Drydocks World Dubai announces its first
LNG regasification conversion project
Drydocks World Dubai (DDW-D) has begun work on its first ever floating,
storage and regasification unit (FSRU) conversion project – known as the
FSRU Livorno project. Italian energy giant Saipem and OLT Offshore LNG
Toscana are also involved in the project.
D
DW-D is converting the
liquefied natural gas (LNG)
carrier, Golar Frost, into an
FSRU. The main contractor, Saipem,
is handling the conversion and when
complete it will be delivered to OLT
Offshore LNG Toscana, a company
operating in the Italian gas industry.
FSRUs are floating terminals where
LNG is stored before being re-gasified
onboard. Once converted Golar Frost
will be permanently moored offshore
Livorno, Italy, approximately 12miles
from the coast in a water depth of
120m and connected to the shore via
a gas export pipeline. The FSRU will
have a storage capacity of 137,000m³
of LNG and a production capacity of
3.75billion standard cubic meters (m³)
per annum.
The trend is growing for conversions
of LNG carriers to FSRUs, and at this
moment in time there are three other fsrU Golar Frost converted from an LNG carrier for regasification (Credit: Drydocks World
LNG carriers owned by Golar LNG that – Dubai).
have already been converted – Golar
Spirit, Golar Winter and Golar Freeze.
FSRU Golar Spirit made headlines in DDW-D began work in June 2009 and upgrades, including fabrication
late 2008 as the world’s first permanently and plans to complete the conversion and installation of structures such as
located regasification vessel. This by mid-2010. Nawal Saigal, managing turret mooring system, aft thruster
1981-built LNG carrier was converted director of DDW-D, said: “The FSRU compartment, foundations of cranes
at Keppel Shipyard in Singapore. Golar Livorno conversion is a prestigious and loading arms bilge keel and
Winter followed suit in June 2009. assignment for us. It is the largest and foundations for equipment. In addition
DDW-D’s yard has advanced most advanced FSRU to come into the to this, the unit’s external hull, deck and
technologies and well-resourced market. Drydocks World – Dubai has outfitting will be blasted and coated.
workshops making it a preferred collaborated with Saipem on many The conversion project will also
facility for local and international projects in the past and we appreciate involve the installation of a side-by-
maritime companies. The 200hectares their confidence in our maritime side berthing mooring system for the
facility has direct access to the sea, engineering expertise and manpower LNG carrier, a loading system (i.e.
through a 350m wide entrance channel. excellence. We are confident that this loading arms), LNG transfer system
Its three graving docks can handle any project will further strengthen Dubai’s to regasification plant, a process
existing or planned size type of vessels, reputation as a global leader in the ship plant for regasification, utilities such
supplemented with a 15,000tonnes conversion industry.” as power generation and sea water
floating dock and 3100m of repair The conversion process of the LNG systems, control, automation and
berths in the main yard. carrier will involve high-tech additions communications systems. OMT
30 Offshore Marine Technology 1st Quarter 2010
Drydocks world Dubai.indd 30 27/01/2010 14:23:25
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