Exmar takes delivery of world’s 1st floating LNG barge

The barge-based ‘Caribbean FLNG’ vessel is the world’s first barge-based floating LNG production unit, according to Exmar.    Belgium-based shipping company Exmar Ship Management has taken delivery of the floating liquefaction plant the Caribbean FLNG (CFLNG) from Wison Offshore & Marine in the People’s Republic of China, Exmar confirmed July 27.
   The barge-based FLNG vessel is the world’s first barge-based floating LNG production unit, according to Exmar. It measures 144 meters (472 feet) in length, is 32 meters (105 feet) wide and 20 meters (66 feet) deep, with an operating draft of 5.4 meters (18 feet), and an LNG storage capacity of 16,100 cubic meters (568,566 cubic feet). It also has a liquefaction capacity of 500,000 tons/annually.
   Caribbean FLNG will drastically reduce time-to-market by providing floating liquefaction and storage in a cost-efficient and flexible way to gas fields located onshore and offshore, eliminating the need for large infrastructure on land.
   The CFLNG has 16,000 m³ of LNG storage and is expected to remain moored in Wison Shipyard in China.
Communication regarding how the CFLNG is to be employed is expected to be made once the final agreement with a customer is signed, Exmar said.
   In addition to the Caribbean FLNG, Exmar said that delivery was taken July 24 the midsize gas carrier Kruibeke by Exmar LPG BVBA, a joint venture between Exmar and Teekay LNG Partners LP.
   The vessel, which was built at Hanjin Heavy Industries, is expected to operate as part of the fleet of midsize LPG vessels controlled by Exmar LPG. With construction of the Kruibeke now complete, Exmar LPG has three midsize gas carriers still under construction.