The PFLNG SATU, the world’s first floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) vessel owned by Malaysian oil and gas company Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), embarked on its first voyage on May 14, marking the completion of its construction at Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering’s (DSME) Okpo shipyard in South Korea.
The vessel is capable of handling all production processes including gas extraction, liquefaction, refining, storage and offloading.
The PFLNG SATU is to play a central role in PETRONAS’ efforts to unlock the gas reserves in Malaysia’s remote and stranded fields, according to the company.
“PFLNG is the result of our determined focus in applying our best and brightest minds to innovate and deliver this groundbreaking energy solution,” Datuk Wan Zulkiflee, President & Group CEO says.
#PFLNG1 sail away. An achievement not just for #PETRONAS , but for #Malaysia too. pic.twitter.com/va183zEsT6
— PETRONAS (@Petronas) May 14, 2016
“Our gratitude to the PETRONAS project team and partners for their hard work and dedication in making PFLNG possible. Wishing the team success in the offshore phase of the project,” Adnan Zainol Abidin, PETRONAS Vice President of Pacific Northwest Project comments.
The facility features a length of 365 meters and a width of 60 meters. Its hull has the capacity of storing up to 180,000 cubic meters LNG and 20,000 cubic meters condensate.
The PFLNG SATU left the Okpo Shipyard on May 14 and is expected to arrive at a gas field located in the northwestern part of Malaysia, Kanowit field off Sarawak waters, where it will be deployed. The company plans to produce up to 1.2 million tons of LNG per year.
The vessel was ordered in 2012 from DSME when the duo signed the engineering, procurement, installation, commissioning (EPCIC) contract.
On May 10, 2016, PETRONAS launched the hull of its second FLNG unit, the PETRONAS Floating LNG2 (PFLNG2). The construction of PFLNG2 began in 2015 at Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) shipyard.
World Maritime News Staff