Houston-based classification society and consultancy, ABS has issued an approval in principle (AIP) to Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) for its design of a multi-purpose LNG floating facility for deep water.
Dubbed MLF-O, this design from SHI optimises the production facility for deepwater areas with a wave height of nine meters.
According to SHI, the design has the advantage of providing faster delivery and cost-effective efficiency, compared to onshore plants.
ABS completed its design reviews based on class and statutory requirements.
MLF-O is designed to minimise internal shocks from sloshing by configuring the cargo hold in two rows. By standardising the unit’s LNG cargo hold and hull, SHI said its capacity can be increased from 180,000 to 220,000 cu m.
This is the second standard FLNG model developed by SHI, following the multi-purpose LNG floater-nearshore (MLF-N) in 2023, which was designed for coastal areas with an average wave height of two meters or less.
Both projects are being marketed to overseas gas field developments.
“As the global leader in supporting floating energy production facilities, ABS is dedicated to advancing the safety and reliability of these assets. We recognise that working together with forward-thinking and safety-driven partners like SHI is important when addressing new technologies and designs for the rapidly evolving offshore gas terminal market,” said Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and CTO.
“MLF-O is an innovative solution that minimises operating costs and innovatively reduces delivery times to meet the needs of our customers,” said Hae-Ki Jang, SHI’s Vice President and Head of Technology Development, adding that his company aims to maintain its position as a pioneer in the FLNG market.
