GE Expands Small-Scale LNG Business (USA)

In connection with its recent acquisition of substantially all the assets of the Salof Companies, GE Oil & Gas announced that it has completed its acquisition of a 50 percent ownership interest in Beijing enCryo Engineering Co., Ltd., a Beijing-based joint venture with Beijing Maison Engineering Co., Ltd. that specializes in engineering for all aspects of the oil and gas, chemical and petrochemical sectors.

In June, GE Oil & Gas announced that it had completed its acquisition of substantially all of the assets of the Salof Companies, a designer and manufacturer of small-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) technologies based in Schertz, Texas. At that time, the acquisition of the joint venture interest remained subject to customary closing conditions.

Historically, Beijing enCryo Engineering has been a reliable partner of the Salof Companies for projects in China, particularly because of its expertise in modularized plant design. GE Oil & Gas move to acquire Salof and an ownership interest in Beijing enCryo Engineering positions GE for further growth in the small LNG sector globally.

GE, already active in large-scale LNG technologies, recently launched LNG solutions with a significantly smaller footprint and capacity that are complementary to the type of projects that Beijing enCryo has supported in China.

Across the globe, the demand for small-scale LNG production is growing as new discoveries of natural gas are making it cost-efficient to use cleaner burning natural gas for transportation, fleet management, marine and other industrial uses. Small LNG solutions typically offer customers a cost-effective standard or modular, plug-and-play solution. Depending on the design, they can be moved and redeployed as needed.

Since 2010, Beijing enCryo Engineering has provided customers with expertise in project management, feasibility studies, basic design packages, front end engineering design and detailed design engineering. EnCryo also specializes in procurement and construction management, operator training, plant commissioning and plant startup assistance. The joint venture enables them to open new growth opportunities through expanded market options throughout Asia.

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LNG World News Staff, September 23, 2013; Image: enCryo