Ichthys LNG module successfully offloaded

In an update of the Ichthys project onshore LNG facilities, JKC has announced that the largest module of the final three shipments has been successfully offloaded at Bladin Point, Australia. It took 90 minutes to offload the module from the Forte semi-submersible vessel, and a further four hours to move the module through the site and onto its foundations.

The fractionation module, which weighs 5100 t, will serve as part of the first LNG processing train to separate ethane, propane and butane once the gas has been treated.

Mike Webb, JKC’s Module Offloading Facility Operations Manager, said: “The module moved on Saturday is longer than the length of an Olympic swimming pool, and weighs more than 4000 small cars, so attention to detail is vital as each ship has different capabilities and limitations.

“The main challenge has been developing plans and procedures to safely discharge 230 modules and other process equipment in Darwin Harbour where the tides can vary up to eight metres in a day.

“We have used seven module carrier vessels, two barges, numerous heavy lift freighters and a specialised ballasting pontoon to safely offload the modules and process equipment without incident.”

The two remaining modules are scheduled to arrive at Darwin Harbour next week.

Edited from various sources by David Rowlands

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/12082016/ichthys-lng-module-successfully-offloaded-2900/