TADAS MATULIONIS: SVARBIAUSI AKCENTAI PRIEŠ PRASIDEDANT „GASTECH“ KONFERENCIJAI

Rugsėjo 17 d. Barselonoje (Ispanija) prasidėsiančioje vienoje didžiausių ir svarbiausių dujų, SGD ir energetikos industrijų konferencijoje „Gastech“ dalyvaus KN atstovai, kurie įsitrauks į diskusiją apie laivus-SGD saugyklas su išdujinimo įrenginiu (angl. Floating storage and regasification unit, FSRU).

Konferencijoje KN patirtį pristatysiantis SGD verslo direktorius Tadas Matulionis dalijasi mintimis apie ganėtinai naują, tačiau naujas SGD rinkas sparčiai atveriančią FSRU technologiją bei Lietuvos pasiekimus (tekstas anglų kalba).

TADAS MATULIONIS: KEY THOUGHTS BEFORE GASTECH

The FSRU technology has a clear value proposition. An FSRU based import terminal project typically comes with a lower budget and shorter time-scale due to standardised vessels being built in shipyards with accumulated experience and know-how. Conversely, some project developers highlight the perceived trade-offs that are unique to the FSRU – limited storage capacity restricting the number of terminal users and absence of ship to shore transfer of LNG being the most noticeable. However, due to unique market opportunities and challenges the FSRU based Klaipeda LNG terminal had to go beyond the limitations highlighting the versatility of the FSRU technology.

Maximizing FSRU user base
The single-user operating mode was not an option in Klaipeda, given the size of the market in the Baltic States and the corresponding absence of a single large gas user.
 

Baltic States gas market size and FSRU Independence throughput capacity

The introduction of third party access rule and a virtual swap model enabled multiple users to share the LNG stored in the FSRU tanks and have a regasification profile that is to a considerable degree independent of their cargo arrivals. Terminal users are able to borrow LNG by providing appropriate commercial assurance that their cargo will be delivered in time for the joint use by other customers. Traders are able to virtually store and utilise their volumes throughout the year. This ability to extend the regasification period facilitates deliveries into shallow markets, normally supplied by small traders with limited end client portfolios. In Klaipeda three terminal users are sourcing LNG from four suppliers and managing their regasification volumes throughout the year with ease.
 

LNG swap model visualised

Milestone in FSRU break-bulking
The presence of multiple users with divergent commercial outlooks has placed unique demands that have not hitherto been placed on an FSRU terminal. The increasing number of small-scale LNG import terminals along the Baltic coastline and corresponding commercial opportunities in break-bulking for traders had challenged us to study the compatibility of small-scale vessels and the terminal. Only very small changes to shipyard configuration were necessary to perform our first small-scale reloading operation. This was the first practical implementation of continuous small-scale reload service from FSRU-type terminal and the first FSRU operating in multi-user and multi-service mode, underlining the versatility of the technology. Since early 2017 LNG from the FSRU has been exported to Norway, Sweden and Finland as well as supplied to Klaipeda LNG reloading station.
 

Map of existing and upcoming satellite LNG import terminals

Establishing an onshore link
The missing link of ship to shore transfer of LNG is a challenge in an effort to set up a comprehensive LNG supply chain around the FSRU. The off-grid and transport LNG markets are exhibiting steady growth, but LNG delivery to shore can be problematic depending on the exact set up and location of the FSRU.
 

Total addressable market by Klaipeda reloading station and its growth projections

One of the ways of addressing this, and as pioneered by KN, is integration with on-shore infrastructure through investment in 5,000 m³ storage on-shore truck loading station and employment of a bunkering vessel for LNG deliveries to shore. Klaipeda LNG reloading station acts as a point of LNG supply to the Baltic and Northeast Polish off-grid markets.

Many of the innovations unique to our FSRU were transferred to the operational model of our on-shore infrastructure. Klaipeda LNG reloading station is third party open access with an analogous LNG swap mechanism, which enabled supplying LNG to four traders through three different capacity holders. Additionally, capacity holders have minimal Boil-Off Gas losses as accumulated gas is utilized in a nearby boiler house and is compensated from KN stock of LNG held in the LNG reloading station.

Milestones and results of first 9 months of Klaipeda reloading station operations

Klaipeda LNG terminal hub development
Over the four years of operations Klaipeda LNG terminal evolved from having only a single user and single supplier to multi-user and multi-service LNG import terminal solution with the value chain around it, which unlocks opportunities for gas suppliers and consumers alike.
 

Klaipeda LNG Terminal hub in its 4th year of operations

Continued innovation
KN is proud to be at the forefront of this commercial innovation and is committed to continued innovation in floating LNG. KN is currently exploring opportunities to utilize spare on-board power generation capacity to supply electricity to shore and is excited to achieve another industry first, highlighting the flexibility of the FSRU.