Tuesday, 7 January 2025

The regasification vessel BW Singapore docks in Italy: the last phase for arrival and entry into operation in Ravenna begins

The BW Singapore ship, the FSRU (Floating Storage and Regasification Unit) that will enter into operation in Ravenna in the spring of next year, has arrived in Italy.

The floating unit, coming from the Dubai shipyards, has reached the Fincantieri shipyard in Palermo, one of the most important in the Mediterranean, where it will stop for just over a month for technical finishing operations, specifically for mechanical, instrumental and electrical work and fine-tuning work on some equipment. These activities are aimed at preparing the regasification vessel for the subsequent gassing and cooling operations, scheduled at the Cartagena terminal, in Spain. The ship is then expected in Ravenna in February for the connection to the mooring platform, completed and laid last November, the reception of additional quantities of LNG and the last verification activities preparatory to the entry into operation scheduled for the first days of April 2025.

"The ship's arrival in Italian waters is a further step in the strategy to diversify gas supplies launched in 2022, which has allowed the country to successfully face the energy crisis resulting from the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, also thanks to the contribution of LNG," commented Stefano Venier, CEO of Snam. "In the coming months we will complete all the activities aimed at the commissioning of the regasification vessel in Ravenna, which will further strengthen national energy security, for the benefit of citizens and businesses".

With the entry into operation of BW Singapore, Italy's total regasification capacity will rise to 28 billion cubic metres, equivalent to the volumes imported via pipeline from Russia in 2021, before the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is increasingly strategic for the security and diversification of Italian energy supplies, currently accounting for about 25% of the country's total gas consumption. In addition to Ravenna, Snam holds significant stakes in all regulated LNG regasification terminals operating in Italy, including the Panigaglia terminal (La Spezia), operational since 1971, the Adriatic LNG terminal (Rovigo), in operation since 2009, the OLT FSRU Toscana terminal (Livorno), operational since 2013 and the FSRU Italis LNG (Piombino), operational since July 2023.

Monday, 6 January 2025

Baker Hughes Secures Liquefaction Equipment Order for Woodside Louisiana LNG

Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR), an energy technology company, announced Monday an order from Bechtel Energy Inc. (Bechtel) to supply gas technology equipment for two liquefaction plants with a total capacity of approximately 11 MTPA for Phase 1 of Woodside Energy Group Ltd’s (ASX: WDS; NYSE: WDS) (Woodside) Louisiana LNG development opportunity. The order marks a significant milestone as Woodside targets final investment decision (FID) readiness from the first quarter of 2025.

The award, which includes eight main refrigeration compressors driven by LM6000PF+ gas turbines and eight expander-compressors, leverages Baker Hughes’ proven, best-in-class LNG technologies to support Bechtel and Woodside. Baker Hughes’ history of working with Bechtel and Woodside will support the delivery of Phase 1 of the project.

“Louisiana LNG will play a vital role in meeting the world’s increasing LNG demand,” said Paul Marsden, president of Bechtel Energy. “Bechtel is proud to collaborate with Baker Hughes to help deliver this critical project.”

“We are committed to providing our proven technology to ensure the LNG industry stands ready to meet rapidly growing energy demand,” said Ganesh Ramaswamy, executive vice president of Industrial & Energy Technology at Baker Hughes. “Building on our 40-year track record in LNG and established collaboration with both Bechtel and Woodside, we look forward to supporting this important project and contributing to sustainable energy development.”

In addition to this award, Baker Hughes was previously selected to supply Woodside electric-powered Integrated Compressor Line (ICL) packages and other turbomachinery equipment for the associated pipeline serving the LNG export terminal.

Bechtel and Woodside Place Woodside Louisiana LNG Phase 1 Order to Chart Industries

Chart Industries, Inc. (NYSE: GTLS) (“Chart”), a global leader in clean energy and industrial gas solutions, has received the order from Bechtel for the supply of our Integrated Pre-Cooled Single Mixed Refrigerant (“IPSMR®”) liquefaction technology and cold boxes for Phase 1 of Woodside Energy Group Ltd’s (ASX: WDS; NYSE: WDS) (“Woodside”) Louisiana LNG development opportunity. Louisiana LNG is owned and operated by Woodside and managed by Bechtel Energy Inc. (“Bechtel”), as the EPC contractor, is located in Louisiana, USA and was previously known as the Driftwood LNG project.

Under the order awarded in December 2024, Chart will support Phase 1 of Louisiana LNG by providing two LNG plants comprising 16 cold boxes in total for 11 MTPA of production. Each LNG plant includes four Heavies Removal Cold Boxes and four LNG Liquefaction Cold Boxes.

Chart’s IPSMR® process, renowned for its energy efficiency and reliability, will provide a critical component of the liquefaction technology, supporting Woodside Energy’s mission to deliver cleaner energy solutions.

“We are proud to partner with Bechtel and Woodside on this significant LNG project,” said Jill Evanko, CEO and President of Chart Industries. “Our IPSMR® technology and associated equipment will play a key role in supporting Woodside’s LNG production on schedule, delivering both efficiency and sustainability to meet global energy needs.”

Friday, 3 January 2025

bp flows first gas at Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project

bp has begun flowing gas from wells at the GTA Phase1 liquefied natural gas (LNG) project to its floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel for the next stage of commissioning.

GTA, offshore Mauritania and Senegal, is one of the deepest offshore developments in Africa, with gas resources in water depths of up to 2,850 metres. Once fully commissioned, GTA Phase 1 is expected to produce around 2.3 million tonnes of LNG per year.  In 2021, it was declared “a project of strategic national importance” by both host governments. 

Today’s announcement marks an important milestone towards realising the potential of Mauritania’s and Senegal’s gas resources, with the possibility for the countries to become an important LNG production hub.   

“This is a fantastic landmark for this important megaproject.  First gas flow is a material example of supporting the global energy demands of today and reiterates our commitment to help Mauritania and Senegal develop their natural resources,” said Gordon Birrell, EVP production & operations.  

“Africa’s significance in the global energy system is growing, and these nations now have enhanced roles to play.  Congratulations to the project and production teams for delivering this project and for always keeping safe operations at the heart of what they do. Thank you to the entire GTA team, our partners and host governments for this tremendous achievement.” 

Gas from GTA Phase 1 is being introduced to the GTA FPSO approximately 40 kilometres offshore, where water, condensate and impurities are removed. From there, it will be transferred via pipeline to a floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) vessel located 10 kilometres offshore, where it will be cryogenically cooled, liquefied and stored before being transferred to LNG carriers for export. Some of the gas will be allocated to help meet growing energy demand in the two host countries.  

“With this milestone, Mauritania and Senegal take a major step towards an exciting new chapter as gas-exporting nations.  I am proud of the relationships we continue to strengthen in both countries. Without the resilience and dedication of the bp team, as well as our partners, host governments and of course the people of Mauritania and Senegal, none of this would have been possible,” said Dave Campbell, SVP Mauritania and Senegal.  

GTA construction activities have generated more than 3,000 local jobs, and the project has engaged with around 300 local companies across Mauritania and Senegal. bp and partners have invested in local workforce development – including a four-year apprentice training programme – and started a multi-million-dollar social investment programme that aims to enhance local quality of life and create long-term opportunities for local development.

Notes to editors
  • The FPSO, which arrived offshore Mauritania and Senegal in 2Q 2024, is designed to process over 500 million standard cubic feet of gas per day.   
  • The Gimi FLNG vessel, which liquefies GTA gas, is owned and operated by Golar LNG.   
  • The multi-million-dollar GTA social investment program in Mauritania and Senegal focuses on the areas of community health, economic development, environmental awareness, and education.   
  • The apprentice training programme is committed to developing a pipeline of local talent and has 47 apprentice technicians on a bespoke programme, preparing them to be among the next generation of offshore operators.   
  • bp is also supporting local economic development in Mauritania and Senegal by investing in areas such as fishing, women cooperatives, health, micro-finance, and business skills training.    
  • bp is operator of GTA with a 56% working interest, alongside Kosmos Energy (27%), PETROSEN (10%) and SMH (7%). 

The regasification vessel BW Singapore docks in Italy: the last phase for arrival and entry into operation in Ravenna begins

The BW Singapore ship, the FSRU (Floating Storage and Regasification Unit) that will enter into operation in Ravenna in the spring of next ...