Overview
At Excelerate Energy, we have become synonymous with dynamic and innovative leadership in the floating LNG sector. Since 2003, our company has pioneered important advances. We were the first to construct a purpose-built, regasification vessel (“Excelsior”) in 2005. In 2007, we also carried out the world’s first commercial LNG ship-to-ship transfer. Our fundamental philosophy has been to utilize proven technology innovatively, ensuring both reliability and cost efficiency. With this track record, it only seemed natural that we take the next step and complete our floating LNG portfolio by developing our own floating liquefaction vessel, known as Excelerate's Energy Bridge® Liquefaction Vessel, or EBLV®. This new technology will allow suppliers of natural gas to effectively monetize both onshore and offshore gas reserves. The technology is not only applicable to stranded or smaller reserves that might not otherwise be developed by conventional means, but, given its cost-competitiveness, it is also a viable alternative to conventional onshore facilities.
The Design
In developing the EBLV®, our company selected the Black and Veatch PRICO® liquefaction system, a technology that has proved effective over 35 years of service, with LNG production volumes in excess of 135,000,000 tonnes. The PRICO system provides reduced equipment count, has a smaller, more compact footprint, and is easier to operate. We wanted the EBLV to embody characteristics that would cover a broad spectrum, making it a viable, yet flexible, floating liquefaction platform. As a result, the production capacity was limited to 3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), using three individual 1-MTPA processing modules, thereby providing flexibility yet maintaining 95% efficiency. The unit has 250,000 m? of LNG storage, utilizing ten (10) [five (5) side-by-side configuration], GTT Mark III membrane, cargo tanks. Mooring is accomplished by either using the APL submerged turret-loading system or by berthing the vessel alongside a conventional jetty or sea-island configuration.
How It Works
The EBLV is an autonomous floating structure that does not rely on any shore-based utilities to function. It is constructed in a shipyard, then towed to its designated site, where it is integrated with the gas source. Mooring and connection infrastructure requirements are minimal. The EBLV is able to tap directly into a natural gas source, liquefy the gas and subsequently offload the LNG to either a traditional LNG carrier or one of our many EBRV/FSRU vessels. This avoids complex and costly onshore civil construction works, as well as associated environmental impact, and provides quicker time-to-market at a fraction of the cost.
Advantages
Unlike any other floating liquefaction design, the EBLV provides an effective solution at minimal cost. It significantly reduces, or even eliminates, the need for a civil footprint. Because it is built in the controlled environment of a shipyard, the EBLV can be brought to market faster and more efficiently, contributing to a higher degree of quality on a tighter schedule. The design integrates proven and/or tested technology, minimizing the need for fixed infrastructure while reducing environmental impact. It is able to accommodate a broad range of gas-quality specifications. Equally important is that it can be delivered in approximately 44 months from final investment decision to first LNG. The EBLV is expected to open new markets around the world, utilizing environmentally friendly technology while creating greater economic upside – another innovative solution that echoes this basic philosophy and is in keeping with the Excelerate Energy tradition.