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The viability of retro-fitting a re-liquefaction plant onboard a 150,000m 3 DFDE LNG carrier

2022; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 22; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/20464177.2022.2073805

2056-8487

Kenneth Gordon Montgomery, J. Chudley,

Marine and Offshore Engineering Studies

AbstractChanges in the type of LNG trading has resulted in an increased demand for vessels with greater operational flexibility and efficient propulsion plants. This has led to the demand for the capability to re-liquefy boil-off-gas (BOG) and return it the cargo-tanks and sell it as cargo or burn BOG or fuel oils depending on the relative costs at the time. This allows energy companies to divert LNG to markets with high seasonal peak demand and take advantage of highest prices, yet still meet long-term SPA's.The research in this paper was conducted by means of qualitative data collection and subsequent analysis using market management tools to ascertain the technical viability. From this point, the data was fed into economic analysis to produce quantitative data that allowed for a determination for a final investment decision for a number of market scenarios.LNG carriers with re-liquefaction capability are positively differentiated from those without it. They are capable of greater operational flexibility, and as a result, their competitive position is improved. They can demand higher charter rates as the increase in cargo quantity offloaded results in increased revenue. They present a lower environmental footprint as there is no requirement to thermally oxidise excess BOG in a GCU. The analysis shows it is technically viable to retrofit a re-liquefaction plant onboard 150,000 m3 Dual Fuel Diesel Electric (DFDE) LNG carriers. The economic viability is more complicated, situation-dependent, and influenced by market forces, environmental legislation, and political interference.KEYWORDS: LNGre-liquefactionshippingefficiencymarine engineeringeconomic viabilityenvironment AcknowledgementsThe authors acknowledge the contribution provided by B.P. Maritime Services along with Niksam Pte Ltd Singapore. They would also like to acknowledge the support from MLA College and the peer evaluation platform provided to aid with this study.Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Additional informationNotes on contributorsKenneth Gordon MontgomeryKenneth Gordon Montgomery is the Marine & Technical Manager for Angola LNG, a joint venture between Chevron, ENI, Total, BP and Sonangol. Starting his career with BP Shipping as a seagoing engineer, working on numerous types of LNG tankers on differing trade routes. Progressing ashore in LNG consultancy, where he was responsible for project budgeting, reporting P&L and managing key accounts on the LNG team - New build supervision of LNG/C, conversions of FSRU's, fuel system design of Ammonia/LPG vessels and involved in renewable offshore wind business development. He was previously employed as a Gas Technical Superintendent, where he managed LNG and LPG vessels. He was responsible for three major LNG dockings in Europe and Asia where he oversaw the first ever LNG Turbo-Brayton Reliquefication Plant retrofit at Keppel, Singapore. He has further taken into management newbuild LNG vessels and FSU's as well has worked within the FSRU project development team. Ken is a Chartered Engineer with IMarEST and holds a BEng Hons in Marine Engineering, an MSc in Management Finance and an MSc in Marine Engineering specialising in LNG re-liquefaction and process technology onboard LNG vessels.John ChudleyProfessor John Chudley PhD, CEng, FIMarEST, began honing his skills as a Mechanical Engineering apprentice in before progressing to higher education completing a PhD in Marine Technology in 1994. At present he is Rector of MLA College, a private higher education provider. He has held various positions in academia, including Provost of Warsash Maritime Academy, Executive Dean of the Marine and Technology Faculty at Southampton Solent University and Head of the Institute of Marine Studies and Mechanical and Marine Engineering Departments at the University of Plymouth. He also acted as Director of Research and Innovation for the University of Plymouth. John has also been employed with the Civil Service, positions include being a Director of the Learning and Skills Council and the National Apprenticeship Service. Having experience and a strong belief in the benefits and opportunities vocational education brings to young people he was passionate in his role and was instrumental in the development of Higher/Degree Apprenticeships. John has also acted as a Director and Board Member to a number of companies and organisations. At present he is a Council Member of the RNLI and a Board Member and Vice-Chair of the Engineering Council.