China’s first FLNG set to begin operations

The first floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) plant in China is set to begin operations next month. According to local media sources, the terminal will be ready to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Tianjin in December.

The news will come as a welcome boost, as this winter, energy demand in China, the world’s foremost energy consumer, is set to rise substantially.

Bejiing has encouraged domestic energy companies to maximise production at gas fields, to increase imports from foreign nations, and to prioritise supplies to public transportation and residential sectors.

In August, The China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC) gained approval to build the country’s first FLNG terminal in northern Tianjin.

Two phases

The FLNG project is divided into two phases. According to CNOOC, the first phase, which is said to cost US$ 539 million, is an offshore floating unit with a capacity of 2.2 million tpa, equal to 3 billion m³. Phase two represents the construction of an onshore regasification terminal with a capacity of 6 million tpa.

Last month, CNOOC’s new 3 million tpa Zuhhai terminal in Guangdong received its first cargo of LNG from Qatar.

CNOOC’s import capacity is said to stand at 21.3 million tpa.

Edited from various sources by Ted Monroe

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