Seatrium Oil & Gas (Americas), a member of Singapore’s Seatrium Group, has delivered what it says is the world’s second converted Floating Liquefaction Vessel (FLNGV) to Gimi MS Corporation, a subsidiary of Golar LNG.
The Gimi FLNG will be stationed at a nearshore hub located on the Mauritania and Senegal maritime border, and is expected to begin production in 2024 as part of the first phase of the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project.
Gimi was converted from a 1975-built Moss LNG carrier with a storage capacity of 125,000 m3. It is designed for 20 years of operations on-site without dry docking, with a liquefaction capacity of 2.7m t/yr and is contracted to operate near shore in 30m of water depth.
Seatrium CEO Chris Ong said: “We are delighted to deliver the world’s second FLNGV conversion in partnership with Golar LNG. Gimi is a testament to the strong track record of the projects we have delivered to Golar over the years, and reflects their confidence in Seatrium as a partner in the development and conversion of high-quality, sustainable and robust production units. Leveraging our deep engineering expertise in complex offshore conversion projects, as well as our capabilities in executing LNG-related EPC (engineering, procurement, construction) projects, we offer innovative and reliable floating liquefaction solutions to meet the growing midstream needs of the LNG industry.”
The conversion of Gimi is part of a broader suite of solutions developed by Seatrium to address the industry’s focus on energy transition, with LNG widely regarded as a transition fuel. The Group’s proprietary FLNG conversion solutions are said to be quick-to-market and reduce GHG emissions by 33% on average as compared to a newbuilt option. Seatrium previously delivered Gimi’s predecessor, Hilli in 2017, which is currently operating with a 100% uptime in Cameroon, Central Africa.
Karl Fredrik Staubo, CEO Golar LNG said: “Golar is pleased to complete conversion of the FLNG Gimi and set sail for Gimi’s 20-year operation for BP and Kosmos offshore Mauritania/ Senegal. We would like to thank Seatrium, Black and Veatch and other suppliers for another successful FLNG delivery. With Gimi soon on-site for start-up of operations Golar will double its operating fleet of FLNGs and bring total installed liquefaction capacity of up to 5.1mtpa. As the leading, independent owner and operator of FLNG units globally, we are committed to enable monetisation of attractive proven gas fields through our market leading operational track record, attractive capex/ton of liquefaction capacity which is amongst the industry’s most efficient emissions/ton produced LNG.”
Since its first LNGC drydocking and ship repair in the 1980s, Seatrium has built experience and knowledge of LNG-related cryogenic systems. The Group claims to be the industry leader in designing and building of complex turnkey solutions, including newbuilds, conversions and repairs for vessels supporting the LNG value chain. Some of its achievements include developing Singapore’s first LNG bunkering vessel – the FueLNG Bellina in 2021, Singapore’s first floating energy storage system – the Floating Living Lab, as well as various dual-fuel LNG dredgers and tugs, purpose-built LNG carriers and LNG-powered containerships.
