FLNG, acronym for Floating Liquefied Natural Gas, refers to a type of production facility that enables the extraction, liquefaction, storage, and transfer of natural gas at offshore locations. It is a technology used to harness natural gas reserves that are situated in remote or offshore areas, where traditional infrastructure and pipelines may not be economically feasible.
The process of FLNG involves converting the extracted natural gas into its liquefied form, reducing its volume by about 600 times for easier storage and transportation. This is achieved by cooling the gas to extremely low temperatures, typically below -162 degrees Celsius, at which it transforms into liquid form. The FLNG facility, a specialized vessel or barge-like structure, is designed to accommodate all the necessary equipment and infrastructure required for this liquefaction process.
FLNG serves as a versatile solution to extract and monetize natural gas from remote locations, enabling the transportation of LNG to markets across the globe. Its mobility allows it to be deployed near gas fields, eliminating the need for long-distance pipelines, and making it beneficial for stranded gas reserves. The facility can also act as a floating storage and offloading unit, facilitating the transfer of LNG to carriers that transport the gas to onshore receiving terminals.
FLNG represents a significant technological advancement in the energy industry, combining elements of both offshore production and LNG processing. Its advent has opened up possibilities for exploiting natural gas reserves that were previously considered economically challenging, unlocking new sources of energy supply and contributing to the diversification of the global natural gas market.
