ABS grants AIP for Sevan FLNG unit

ABS has granted approval in principle (AIP) for the Sevan cylindrical floating LNG (FLNG) production unit concept for offshore production, storage and transfer of LNG, LPG and condensate.

The design concept is based on the circular and geostationary Sevan FPSO design, which is being used in the Norwegian and Central UK North Sea. It is also used offshore Brazil and is under construction as the first application of an FPSO unit to be installed in the Barents Sea.

FLNG design review

The design review for the FLNG concept included an assessment of the feasibility of the structural strength of the equipped FLNG hull and process topside structure, as well as a global performance and safety analysis conducted in accordance with the ABS Rules and Guides for floating LNG units.

The Sevan FLNG production unit will have a proprietary cylindrical hull capable of operating in more than 3000 m (10 000 ft) water depth and in harsh environments, such as extreme North Atlantic and cyclonic conditions. The unit design is based on environmental load calculations for a 100-year return storm in the Barents Sea. The FLNG unit's axio-symetric hull shape enables high capacity for LNG storage and deck loads and tolerance for weather spreading. It also eliminates the need to weathervane in rough seas. The FLNG unit can be designed to have gas processing and liquefaction up to 4 million tpa and store up to 240 000 m³ of LNG and 36 000 m³ of condensate.

Sevan believes that some of the advantages of a cylindrical hull design include the elimination of the need for a turret and swivel and the favourable motions with very little roll and pitch, as well as reduction of typical wave induced fatigue loads and minimised hull deflection, which simplifies the topsides design.

Tor-Ivar Guttulsrød, Director of FLNG, Global Gas Solutions, ABS, said: "By awarding Sevan AIP, we have acknowledged that the company's innovative approach to designing and constructing a first-of-its-kind FLNG production unit is based on sound engineering practices and ABS classification standards […] ABS continues to support new FLNG concepts that, when fully developed and implemented, will strengthen the emerging FLNG market."

Lars Ødeskaug, Chief Operating Officer, Sevan Marine ASA, said: "High availability, inherent safety and simple operation should be the main criteria when selecting technology offshore […] Sevan's cylindrical FLNG solution meets these criteria at an attractive cost. We are proud to have been granted AIP for our unique design concept, which we believe will introduce a better option for producing, storing and offloading LNG in challenging operating areas."

Adapted from press release by Callum O'Reilly

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/floating-lng/11112014/abs-grants-aip-for-sevan-flng-unit-1764/