Commissioning ceremony held for Russian FSRU

In the statement, Gazprom says that it is making comprehensive efforts to improve the reliability of gas supplies to the region. Previously, the company developed the Kaliningradskoye underground gas storage (UGS) facility and increased the throughput capacity of the Minsk-Vilnius-Kaunas-Kaliningrad gas pipeline, which was the only route for gas deliveries to Russia’s westernmost constituent entity until now.

In order to improve energy security in the region taking the geographical setting into account, Gazprom executed an alternative gas supply project that focuses on LNG deliveries by ship. A gas-receiving terminal based in the Baltic Sea and onshore was built in the region.

According to the statement, a key component of the terminal is a fixed marine berth with a breakwater. This facility is unique as far as domestic engineering practices are concerned. It is situated 5 km from the shore in approximately 19 m deep water. This allows the FSRU to be moored. The berth is a 125.5 m monolithic slab of high strength concrete resting on 177 piles. Special equipment for receiving gas is installed on top of the slab along with mooring devices. From the seaward, Gazprom claims that the berth is protected with a robust 728 m C-shaped breakwater. Its structure helps the vessel operate safely and is able to withstand powerful Baltic storms.

Gazprom claims that the Marshal Vasilevskiy is the only FSRU in Russia. As soon as the vessel moors at the berth, the regasification process begins. The gas is then fed into the existing gas transmission system via newly constructed 13 km connecting gas pipeline. Afterwards, gas is provided to consumers or injected into the Kaliningradskoye UGS facility.

Through the use of the terminal and the FSRU, up to 3.7 billion m³/yr of gas can be delivered by sea. If necessary, Gazprom claims that the new facilities will meet both current and future needs of the Kaliningrad region.

Alexey Miller, Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee, said: “A unique project that has no equivalent in Russia, a sophisticated project of national importance is now completed. The Kaliningrad Region has been provided with a totally independent gas supply route. Gazprom has brought the region’s energy security to a fundamentally new level. The company will continue to work towards improving the reliability of gas supplies to the Kaliningrad Region.”

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/regasification/11012019/commissioning-ceremony-held-for-russian-fsru/