Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding has partnered MHWirth to harvest shallow methane hydrates from the seabed of the Japan Sea.
Japan’s Government Agency started the estimation of possibility shallow methane hydrates in 2013. The surveys, carried out from 2013 to 2015, revealed that there were 1,742 gas chimney structures in the Japan Sea.
Now, a new study has been launched concerning harvesting technology for the hydrates. MES has joined it with MHWirth and other partners.
MES has experiences of R&D on behaviors of gas hydrates and manufacturing of floating facilities. MHWirth has expertise in subsea mining technology and offshore drilling systems including services.
In addition, MODEC, an FPSO systems specialist, will participate in the collaboration at the future stage to contribute toward the hydrate commercial harvesting with their established technology and long experience in the offshore business.