Black & Veatch PRICO SMR Becomes World’s First Proven FLNG Technology to Achieve Production on a Floating Facility

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Oct. 20, 2016 -- The world’s first floating natural gas liquefaction unit (FLNG) has successfully completed performance testing in Nantong, China. With the average liquefaction process load exceeding 100 percent during the 72-hour performance test, the flawless performance of the FLNG ensured all design requirements and production capacities were achieved for the unit’s operational effectiveness. For the first time in history, LNG has been produced onboard a floating facility.

“This performance test completion is a major milestone in our company’s floating LNG liquefaction program to help meet the growing demand for energy. It demonstrates our leadership in FLNG solutions, allowing owners of stranded gas reserves to monetize their reserves on a very fast track basis under a build, own, operate basis with Exmar,” said Nicolas Saverys, Exmar Chief Executive Officer.

The Caribbean FLNG project uses Black & Veatch’s patented PRICO® technology for the single train liquefaction unit, producing 72 million cubic feet a day of LNG (or about 500,000 ton per annum) onboard the non-propelled barge. The LNG is temporarily stored in onboard tanks and can be subsequently offloaded to LNG carriers. Black & Veatch delivered engineering and procurement for the top side liquefaction unit, along with construction support, onsite commissioning and start-up services.   

In addition to the design and production capacity of the liquefaction unit, the 72-hour performance test also confirmed the other systems designed by Black & Veatch, including gas treating, boil-off gas handling, and supporting utilities, ensured that the entire FLNG production process worked seamlessly. Black & Veatch provided engineering and procurement for all of the topside units, as well as the temporary regasification skid used to test the performance of the barge. 

Both the gas trial and performance test were completed in Nantong before sail-out. All systems on the FLNG have been fully commissioned and tested without leaving the shipyard by using LNG to supply gas without connection to a pipeline. Conducting gas trials and performance testing in the shipyard shortened the time required to achieve project completion.

“The results from the in-depth performance testing further confirms the leadership in FLNG project delivery that we are bringing to the industry through our floating LNG solutions program,” said Bob Germinder, Senior Vice President of Black & Veatch’s Oil & Gas business. “Our PRICO® technology is being applied in more than 30 LNG operations worldwide, and with the completion of this performance testing, the first of five Black & Veatch designed FLNG trains are now proven in the marketplace, demonstrating how we are helping to meet the growing demand for energy.”

Germinder added that the results for the Exmar CFLNG project are the outcome of a collaborative effort between Exmar, Wison Offshore & Marine, Black & Veatch and other suppliers.

Editor’s Notes:

• Exmar, a pioneer in floating regasification and floating liquefaction, brings the market a build, own, operate model. Exmar is currently discussing several deployment opportunities for the FLNG.
  
• Black & Veatch’s PRICO® process is a proven solution for making the liquefaction of natural gas process easier, faster, and cost effective. The technology is applied to a variety of industries including rail, trucking, mining and power.
• With more than 50 years of LNG experience, Black & Veatch’s patented PRICO^® technology is modular and scalable and can be applied to multiple types of FLNG configurations.
• The PRICO® process uses a single-mixed refrigerant loop for natural gas liquefaction. The process provides several key advantages, including:
  • A simplified refrigeration system that requires minimal equipment and a compact process that makes it ideal for offshore liquefaction
  • Low capital and operating expenditure
  • Simplified control and maintenance

Download high resolution photos of the Caribbean FLNG
https://www.flickr.com/photos/black_veatch/29337080474/in/dateposted-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/black_veatch/30400005846/in/dateposted-public/

About EXMAR NV
Exmar NV, with its headquarters in Antwerp, is a leading independent owner and operator of LNG/LPG Carriers and of industrial, marine and logistical solutions covering the processing, handling, liquefaction, transport and regasification of gas for the benefit of clients active in the energy, power and industry sectors. Having over three decades of experience in the shipping and handling of cryogenic gases, Exmar maintains a high leadership profile with the industry's largest players through successful operations and continuous innovation. For more info, see: www.exmar.com

Media Contact Information Exmar NV:
Miguel de Potter | CFO Exmar NV |+32 3 247 56 20

About Black & Veatch
Black & Veatch is an employee-owned, global leader in building critical human infrastructure in Energy, Water, Telecommunications and Government Services. Since 1915, we have helped our clients improve the lives of people in over 100 countries through consulting, engineering, construction, operations and program management. Our revenues in 2015 were US$3.0 billion. Follow us on www.bv.com and in social media.

Media Contact Information Black & Veatch: 
GEORGE MINTER | +1 913-458-8001 P | +1 913-972-8811 M | [email protected]
24-HOUR MEDIA HOTLINE | +1 866-496-9149