Econnect Energy said it has completed a milestone offshore marine LNG delivery with its IQuay patented jettyless transfer system in Norway.
The operation was completed together with Spanish utility company Naturgy Energy Group, and Finnish energy company Gasum.
In addition to the LNG import operation from Gasum-chartered LNG carrier, Coral Energy, to Herøya, the operation also measured the flow rate, friction and pressure of LNG in the floating flexible hoses, Econnect said in its statement.
The LNG delivery was an opportunity to further benchmark the operational performance of the system against traditional solutions, the statement reads
Econnect noted that other partners in the LNG operation included SINTEF, Air Liquide, Trelleborg, Anthony Veder, Herøya Industrial Park, the Grenland Port Authority, the Norwegian Coastal Administration (Kystverket) with support from Innovation Norway.
To date, Econnect Energy with Naturgy have developed, built and commissioned the only existing jettyless floating LNG transfer system i the world.
“The ship to shore LNG transfer with the floating IQuay was an opportunity to further prove the capabilities of the system. The cargo delivery of LNG and analysis verified the system process performance,” said Econnect Energy Project Manager Jørgen Agerup . The operation was performed on schedule and according to planning involving commercial partners, local authorities and third-party surveyors amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, the unique, floating nature of the IQuay system served to accelerate the marine-based permitting process due to the system’s limited interaction with the local marine environment.
The floating jettyless IQuay technology is well-positioned for deployment in remote areas where installing marine jetties may be cost-prohibitive and impactful to the local environment.
By removing the need for fixed jetties, floating transfer solutions can accelerate LNG, carbon capture and renewable fuels projects as an important step in the transition towards a cleaner energy future. The IQuay has connected to a variety of vessel types including LNG carriers, chemical carriers, offshore supply vessels, tug boats, and operated in 3 different locations, Econnect said.
In addition to LNG transfer, the IQuay technology can be applied to a wide range of vessels and terminals for the loading and unloading of ammonia, hydrogen, CO2 or any other fluid.