Single-Point Mooring System for an Offshore LNG Import Terminal

Abstract

This paper describes the conceptual design of an offshore liquidified natural gas (LNG) import terminal based on the "Bishop Process," sited on Vermilion block 179, offshore Louisiana. The Bishop Process comprises direct regasification of LNG in the dense phase and storage of the gas thus produced in salt caverns. (For conversion factors of units commonly used with LNG, please refer to Table 1.) The operating principles of this process are discussed, as well as the design considerations for the regas, storage, and send-out facilities. The single-point mooring (SPM) system for the offloading of LNG carriers is described, as well as the verification process thereof. The foreseen marine operations at the terminal are explained, and the work done confirms the technical and economical feasibility of the concept.

Offshore Salt Caverns Enable a 'Mega' Sized LNG Receiving Terminal

“…Aspects that were addressed were: -Terminal location & field lay-out -Mooring terminal operation -Approach to-and departure from site -Escort & support vessel requirements -Berthing operations -(Emergency-) disconnect operations -LNG transfer operations -Start-up / shut down of LNG transfer systems (ship to SPM, SPM to re-gas platform) -Process disruption -Venting / flaring requirements By covering the above agenda in a systematic way, a valuable checklist was created with specific issues that are to be addressed in more detail during the course of the study. For a more complete description of the 'Big Sweep' system can be found in [1] .…”