Leighton, Black & Veatch Sign MOU to Deliver PRICO LNG Technology in Australia

Leighton Contractors and Black & Veatch have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly pursue the design, supply and construction of small to mid-scale liquefied natural gas projects across Australia to a maximum train capacity of 2mtpa using the Black & Veatch PRICO technology.

As an Australian leader in contracting and project development, Leighton Contractors has an increasing involvement in the construction of infrastructure for the oil and gas industry.

Partner Black & Veatch is a global leader in consulting, engineering, construction and operation in the energy, water and telecommunications markets.

Mark Chilcote, General Manager at Leighton Contractors, said the combined strengths of Leighton Contractors and Black & Veatch will provide the two companies a competitive edge in pursuing small to mid-scale liquefied natural gas opportunities in the Australian market.

“This partnership brings together Leighton Contractors’ experience in construction of major industrial projects, including project management and procurement of Australian-sourced equipment and materials, and Black & Veatch’s extensive LNG engineering and technology expertise,” he said.

Brian Price, Vice President and LNG Technology Manager for Black & Veatch said that the company has developed expertise in LNG technologies, including its patented PRICO® liquefaction process for the production of liquefied natural gas.

The PRICO process uses a Black & Veatch patented, single-mixed refrigerant loop for natural gas liquefaction. The process has several key advantages, including the lowest capital costs of all competing technologies and a simplified refrigeration system

“The PRICO process has made Black & Veatch an industry leader for both onshore and offshore small to mid-scale liquefied natural gas applications. PRICO provides our clients with the lowest capital costs of all competing technologies, flexibility in feed gas compression and capacity, as well as simplified and reliable operations,” he said.

Australia has approximately 110 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas and is the 12th largest holder of natural gas reserves in the world. Production of natural gas in Australia is rising, with a number of new liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects under construction or currently in the planning stages. The majority of Australia’s natural gas is converted into LNG for export with a growing demand for domestic consumption.

The compact and low cost LNG plants market in Australia is also growing rapidly. This growth can be attributed to the strong demand for diesel replacement in long distance haulage fleets and heavy mining fleets.

Leighton Contractors and Black & Veatch are well positioned to meet this demand and anticipate an increase in project opportunities over the coming years.

[mappress]

Source: Leighton Contractors, April 27, 2011;