Norway: Inocean Develops New Tank System for LNG Storage

Inocean has developed and patented a new tank system for storage of LNG in connection with floating production and storage. This gives the market a strong alternative to the very few technologies previously available worldwide.

“Our system is aimed at production rather than transport of LNG,” says Inocean CEO Jon Erik Borgen. “One of the challenges of existing tank systems is dealing with sloshing − the impact the liquefied gas has on partially filled tanks in open seas. The new tanks have an inner form that restrains sloshing and thus curbs forces to avoid structural fatigue. The technology has been qualified by DNV for material and sloshing behavior,” he adds.

FLNG potential

Technical Director of Inocean, Jonas Rekstad, explains that the Inocean LNG tank technology shows robustness towards use in benign areas. “We are still further evaluating the technology for use in harsh environment. Based on the work we have done so far, we have a strong believe in the technology to become a good alternative for future FLNG projects”, he says.

Asia

Borgen and Rekstad first of all see a market for the new tank system among yards in Asia, where LNG production flourishes. Stranded offshore gas fields worldwide which lack a permanent infrastructure will also be a major marked for floating LNG on the long term.

Design focus

“Inocean is strongly focused on technology development using its own designs for floating production and mobile offshore drilling. Our new LNG tank is a result of this strategy”, says Jon Erik Borgen.

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Inocean, January 31, 2013