Pronav welcomes first FSRU to its managed LNG fleet

A Floating Storage Regasification Unit is, first and foremost, a Liquefied Natural Gas Carrier. However, what sets it apart is its additional capability to convert LNG into Natural Gas and deliver it ashore at high pressure and temperature.

This LNG-to-NG conversion capability introduces a higher level of design complexity compared to a conventional LNG Carrier. The most visible difference between an LNG Carrier and an FSRU is the regasification plant – a relatively large module that is depending on the FSRU design installed either near the compressor and electric motor room or forward, above cargo tank no. 1 and forecastle deck.

What’s not visible from the outside are the numerous auxiliary systems onboard that support and enable the operation of the regasification plant. These include complex cargo heating and internal transfer systems, NG measurement and transfer systems, ship-to-ship transfer systems, and more. A high level of automation is also integrated to manage these systems, adding to the vessel’s operational complexity beyond that of a standard LNG Carrier.

Operating and maintaining these additional systems requires specialized expertise. Perhaps the most significant operational difference is the need to perform multiple operations simultaneously – commonly referred to as SIMOPS – Simultaneous Operations.

When an FSRU is “on station and in operation”, it becomes a carefully choreographed sequence of concurrent activities. These can range from relatively simple operations such as simultaneous internal cargo transfers, ballast operations, regasifying LNG and sending NG ashore, to highly complex scenarios involving the mooring of an LNG Carrier, hose connection, cargo loading on one manifold side while simultaneously conducting ballast operations, regasifying LNG, and sending NG discharge ashore on the opposite manifold side.

Probably coordination, planning and assurance of uninterrupted service. This comes on top of the challenges related to managing a technically highly complex vessel from all aspects of ship management.

As an integral part of the terminal and the broader energy supply chain, the majority of vessel activities must be carefully synchronized with multiple stakeholders to ensure safe and seamless operations. This includes both routine and ad-hoc maintenance, which often requires months of advance planning. Such activities must be planned and executed in a way to avoid any disruption to the vessel’s continuous operations.

The need for reliability and uninterrupted service becomes even more pronounced in regions where the FSRU “on station” serves as a vital energy lifeline for local populations and industries. In such cases, any interruption in service can have significant consequences. Therefore, anything less than 100% reliability is simply not acceptable.

Bringing an FSRU into our management has been a challenging step for us as Pronav and for BSM as a whole. We always strive for operational excellence, and such dedication has enabled us to become a proud member of the very exclusive group of FSRU technical managers. In line with our long-term strategy, we want to further grow our managed fleet of LNG Carriers and also increase our footprint in the highly specialized FSRU sector. We continuously improve our procedures and develop our personnel resources, which is why we are ready to welcome further FSRUs into our management.