KARMOL FSRU to set sail to Senegal
Published by Sarah Smith,
Assistant Editor
LNG Industry,
KARMOL's first floating storage regasification unit (FSRU) was delivered on 15 March at Sembcorp Marine in Singapore and will begin sea trials off Singapore ahead of its deployment to Senegal in the coming weeks.
The FSRU, called KARMOL LNGT POWERSHIP AFRICA, will enable KARMOL (a joint venture between Karpowership and Mitsui OSK Lines) to offer LNG-powered electricity to the West African country for the first time using its floating powership, Karadeniz Powership Aysegül Sultan.
In Senegal, Karpowership is operating a 235 MW capacity powership, around 15% of the country's supply, since August 2019. The first FSRU, operated by KARMOL will soon sail to the West African country and the Powership will switch to operating with LNG before the end of June.
KARMOL's unique technology means a combination of powerships and FSRUs will bring LNG to power to countries with no domestic gas supply. The company plans to switch its entire fleet of powerships to LNG, a sustainable, affordable and environmentally responsible fuel.
Under the same JV, another FSRU is already under construction which is planned for deployment to Mozambique.
KARMOL Board Member Gokhan Kocak said, "This is a big moment for West Africa and the wider continent, and an exciting time for KARMOL."
"We have a bold ambition to offer LNG to power across the world and especially within Africa. Usage of FSRUs mean we can unlock the benefits of clean and affordable electricity for millions of people, even where countries have no domestic gas production or infrastructure."
"I am looking forward to the ship completing its sea trials and beginning its voyage to Senegal."
"The use of FSRUs and powerships is a ground-breaking solution which opens up the prospect of stable electricity, powered by efficient, cleaner fuels, to many more countries."
"Our KARMOL partnership is at the core of a long-term plan to bring reliable, economical and green electricity to our current partners and new customers."
KARMOL Representative Kensuke Ito said, "The vessel symbolises MOL and Karpowership's continued partnership and represents our strong commitment to providing LNG-to-power solutions to the African region."
"This milestone has been achieved against the most challenging of backdrops with the ongoing global COVID pandemic which makes this all the more satisfying."
The Senegal FSRU and another vessel each have a capacity of 125 000 m3. Singapore-based Sembcorp Marine has done the construction and conversion work.
Following gas trials, the FSRU is expected to depart Singapore early April, expected to arrive in Senegal in mid-May, with operations planned to begin in June.
FSRU KARMOL LNGT POWERSHIP AFRICA specifications:
- Length: 272.0 m.
- Breadth: 47.20 m.
- LNG tank: Moss type.
- Cargo tank capacity: 125 470 m3.
Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/16032021/karmol-fsru-to-set-sail-to-senegal/
You might also like
EIA: US natural gas trade will continue to grow with the start-up of new LNG export projects
The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s recently released Short-Term Energy Outlook forecasts that US LNG exports will continue to lead growth in US natural gas trade as three LNG export projects currently under construction start operations and ramp up to full production by the end of 2025.