Front Energy Launches New FSRU Turret
The founders of Advanced Production & Loading (APL), which developed submerged turret loading (STL) buoys for floating LNG storage and regasification units (FSRUs) in the 1990s, say they have now developed the next generation turret buoy.
Incorporated in Norway, Front Energy is marketing a new, proprietary turret buoy as a mooring and gas transfer system for FSRUs, Front Energy CEO Lars Odeskaug told NGW June 18. About 40 of the APL buoys have been installed and are in operation around the world, but "now it is time to move on," he said.
He said by way of introduction to the concept: "The turret buoy is not really a new invention as it uses much of the same components as the well-known turret buoy used by Excelerate Energy on their FSRUs, and is as such a proven concept. What’s new is where it connects to the ship. Connection to the ship is made at the bow by a simple modification to the bulb and a small platform on the forecastle deck. The swivel sits on the forecastle deck and is easily accessible for inspection and maintenance (see below).
"On connection, the buoy is pulled in using the ships existing mooring winches, and the solution has quick disconnect capability. As the buoy is attached in the bow of the vessel, the system may be applied in water depths as shallow as 20 metres. The system is very cost competitive as modifications to the ship for a conversion from a carrier into an FSRU are limited, and for a newbuild FSRU the cost is very low using this mooring system," he said.
(Credit: Front Energy)
He added that the system has been approved in principle by DNV GL, and is being marketed for projects world wide. The system is currently being considered by developers for several projects in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.
Front Energy’s business model is to work with partners, typically LNG shipowners, to provide complete FSRUs where the disconnectable turret buoy is a key component providing a clear cost benefit, Odeskaug said.
The company joins a number of (mostly) Norwegian companies in the LNG technology space, such as Skanska, ConnectLNG and Dreifa, the latter set up by ex-Flex LNG founders.