China considering FLNG option for South China Sea

Chinese CNOOC is said to be studying the possibility of an FLNG vessel that would be built for gas production in South China Sea.

The multi-billion dollar project was not announced publicly, but CNOOC and other industry officials said that a pre-feasibility study was well under way, reports Reuters. The vessel would handle up to 2.4 million tonnes of gas per year and operate at a depth of 1,500 metres, but other reports show a possibility of building a smaller 1 million tpy vessel.

Even though the FLNG plant remains some years away, it was said that such vessels might become an important part of China’s strategy further boosting its offshore energy output. Due to disputes with Vietnam over the South China Sea waters such vessel could easily replace the rigs, one of which was recently moved from the area after it had finished drilling for oil and gas.

[mappress]

LNG World News Staff, July 17, 2014