LNG Overview

LNG tankers China will produce 5 more LNG tankers. The first Chinese-built LNG tanker was built last year and the second one was launched in Shanghai in June 2006: it cost 160 million USD and can carry 147 000 m3 of LNG at -163°C during transport. Five more tankers will be built over the next 5 years in order to meet fast-growing demand. www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2006-06/13/content_615284.htm With world demand expected to increase about 70% between 2002 and 2025, international trade is expanding fast. Qatar will be exporting 77 million tons/year in the future and plans to build the largest liquefaction trains in the world, each capable of producing 7.8 million tons per year. The world fleet of LNG tankers grew from 151 in 2003 to 192 in 2005 and 133 are currently under construction. www.iamu-edu.org/news/12/aastmt.php The South Hook Terminal in Milford Haven, UK, will handle 30 million m3 of LNG per year and 16 new tankers are being built in order to transport LNG from Qatar to the UK. Four 210 000-m3 tankers will be built by Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering in South Korea, and Hyundai Heavy Industries and Samsung Heavy Industries will build 2 vessels each. The other 8 vessels will be built within the framework of 25-year contracts with consortiums. www.hydrocarbons-technology.com/projects/raslaffanref LNG-powered ferries in Norway Norway's coastline is one of the most jagged in the world and for that reason thousands of ferries are necessary to ply the scores of fjords furrowing it. This may sound picturesque, but it is actually the cause of an environmental issue which places Norway's nitrogen-oxide emissions per capita as the highest in Europe. Liquefied natural gas is on its way to becoming a solution to this problem as a project involving LNG-powered ferries is being implemented by the Sweden based company Cryo, AB: used as fuel, LNG cuts nitrogen emissions by 90% and CO2 by 21%. The 9 million USD project is the largest in the company's almost 100-years history. The first 5 ferries are due to sail early in 2007, starting with a line from Bergen to Stavenger, an oil metropolis. As LNG is liquefied at ultra-low temperatures, it requires double-hulled ships in high-alloy-stainless steel, that are able to withstand the low temperatures, as well as the high pressure. Security devices such as a double valve to prevent the fuel from escaping from the tanks during the fuelling and an automatic cut-off device of the supply in case of leaks are also required. Notwithstanding the initial costs, the ships should cut expenses by up to 45 000 €/ month in fuel costs and maintenance and also make it possible for the company to sell carbon emission certificates! Linde Technology June, 2006. Everything you ever wanted to know about LNG is in the latest IIR Informatory Note entitled Liquefied Natural Gas : Current Expansion and Challenges : www.iifiir.org