DNV GL has developed a new unmanned floating LNG concept that overcomes many of the challenges currently faced by those looking to unlock the potential of remote offshore gas fields.
Called Solitude, the concept demonstrates how technological advances – most of the technology already within reach – can be combined into a solution that offers some twenty per cent reduction in annual OPEX, only adding a few per cent increase in CAPEX and at the same time increase the overall safety.
Remote Waters
FLNG technology is developing rapidly as part of the industry’s quest for resources in more remote waters. A number of concepts have been discussed, but only a few are currently under construction, as many oil and gas companies have experienced double-digit growth in both capital and operational expenditure over the last decade.
Maximum Reliability
Foreseeing the need for more remote projects to be able to overcome even more challenging cost barriers, whilst still meeting increasingly stringent safety and environmental standards, DNV GL wanted to explore the future of LNG technology. For Solitude, the focus was shifted from maximum efficiency to maximum reliability. According to DNV GL, this solution ensures production levels and boosts the economic viability of FLNG projects.
Available Technology
Solitude makes use of advanced but mainly available technology to provide its power. Power that would otherwise be generated by high-maintenance gas turbines can as an example be generated by fuel cells. This improves power generation reliability and reduces the unit’s environmental footprint.
Equipment throughout the FLNG is modularised and monitored from shore with much of the routine maintenance and fault correction carried out by self-programming autonomous inspection and maintenance units (robots). The topside has a system of rails that run along each process train, providing these robots with access to all the equipment.
Wireless sensor networks act as eyes, ears and noses, feeding information to a condition monitoring system that provides overseas fault detection, proactive maintenance and repair planning.
No Personal Safety Risks
As there will be no one living on board or working on the topside during normal operation, the associated personal safety risks are eliminated. When people do enter for large maintenance campaigns, the topside would be prepared for a safe working environment. A new support and accommodation vessel concept and its associated docking system on the FLNG further boost the safety of interventions.
