Operations and major projects

Works are underway for the rapid refuelling service.

23/04/18

The rapid refuelling service for LNG tankers will be ready by the end of the year. In the meantime, 8 pumps will be replaced before the installation of a new compressor. The purpose of this is to increase the current LNG refuelling capacity of a tanker from 4,000 m3/hour to 8,800 m3/hour.

The first LNG refuelling operation took place at the end of January on the Provalys, a French tanker owned by an Engie subsidiary. The refuelling went off without a hitch, but only at a speed of 3,000 m3/hour due to technical constraints. Dunkerque LNG owns and operates the LNG terminal. The company has hired TS LNG for a series of works and modifications under technical guidance by EDF to increase refuelling capacity to 8,800 m³/hour. The aim of these improvements is to offer greater flexibility to clients and meet their requirements. "We need to replace the 8 reservoir pumps for a greater capacity," explains Sylvain Ringot, Director of Industrial Development at Dunkerque LNG. "The first was installed at the start of April and is operating properly. The 7 others will be installed one per week." A larger refuelling capacity will also mean a greater capacity for processing boil-off gas. Consequently, a 4th BOG compressor has been installed by the teams working for TS LNG, the contractor of the terminal. "The teams have to do some work on the piping system before they can connect the compressor to the system," adds Sylvain Ringot. The terminal will be out of action for 6 weeks from August to September to allow for the compressor to be connected. The 4^th BOG compressor should be in operation in the 2^nd half of September. The rapid refuelling service will be fully operational by the end of the year. This represents real added value for the LNG terminal in terms of the current global LNG market.

Article présenté sur la lettre d'information : Avril 2018