Norway-based TMC Compressors has been tasked with the provision of a complete marine compressed air system for a floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) facility, which China’s CIMC Raffles is constructing for Golar LNG, the Bermuda-headquartered owner and operator of LNG midstream infrastructure .
Thanks to the order from CIMC Raffles, TMC Compressors will deliver a complete marine compressed air system to the MK2 FLNG facility being built for Golar LNG, after the Bermuda-based player signed definitive agreements for a 20-year charter for the unit with Southern Energy S.A. (SESA) .
This company was formed to enable LNG exports from the South American country by a consortium of Argentinian gas producers, including Pan American Energy (30%), YPF (25%), Pampa Energia (20%), and Harbour Energy (15%), as well as Golar (10%).
TMC’s scope of supply entails the provision of a large capacity marine compressed air system that consists of instrument air compressors, utility compressors, N2 feed air compressors, and air driers. The firm has not disclosed the value of the contract.
The MK2 FLNG project entails the refurbishment of Golar’s Fuji LNG tanker , which will be lengthened by nearly 100 meters and converted to an FLNG vessel. Upon completion, the unit, scheduled for delivery in 2027, will be approximately 390 meters long and 70 meters wide, with an expected annual production capacity of 3.5 million tonnes of LNG.
The work is being carried out at the CIMC Raffles shipyard in Yantai, China, which is where TMC will supply its marine compressed air system. Golar’s total conversion budget is approximately $2.2 billion, of which $1 billion has already been spent.
Hans-Petter Tanum , TMC’s Director of Sales and Business Development, highlighted: “This is a major vessel that requires a large capacity compressed air system. Operating far from shore, operational reliability is obviously key. That is exactly what we are aiming to ensure with our system, which has been designed solely for marine and offshore use.”
The Argentina LNG project, estimated to be worth $50 billion, is anticipated to benefit from significant operational efficiencies and synergies from two FLNGs in the same area. The MKII FLNG has a nameplate capacity of 3.5 mtpa and is expected to begin operations in 2028.