With a number of Floating LNG Production projects now materializing to make use of the massive remote gas reserves available offshore, it is now required to overcome in a safe and reliable manner the associated technical challenges. Although FMC Technologies already opened the way to offshore receiving terminals with side-by-side Chiksan® loading arms, the cryogenic tandem offshore transfer operations required for export terminals were recognized to be, by far, the most critical link in the whole offshore LNG chain. FMC Technologies Chiksan® Articulated Tandem Offshore Loader (ATOL) now closes this gap and brings to the industry a straightforward solution relying only on field proven components and on a nearly 50 years leadership in cryogenic transfer of LNG.
There are a number of vital features any tandem LNG transfer system must be able to achieve in order to meet today's requirements for safety, performance, reliability and cost efficiency. Amongst those, the ability to operate under highly dynamic condition, the long term reliability all along the FLNG lifetime, the safety requirements like fire safety and reliable position monitoring, the low pressure loss challenge, the coexistence of sea water and cryogenic conditions, the maintainability as well as the tolerance of the system to unexpected operational events are some of the key characteristics ensured by the FMC Chiksan® ATOL based on fully field proven and sound technology and engineering practices.
Over the past few years, intensive developments at detailed engineering level for both mechanical and control system parts, advanced but realistic structural and dynamic calculation, and finally actual prototypes comprehensive testing supporting the qualification of the ATOL have placed FMC in a position to offer today the most competitive solution with the most advanced development level and based exclusively on field proven components. With the appropriate technology fully developed, FMC is ready to engage now concretely to make the upcoming FLNG projects a reality.
