Operational and performance tests progress at Dunkirk LNG terminal

Operational and performance tests, part of the Dunkirk LNG commissioning, are 60 and 30 percent complete, respectively. 

Dunkerque LNG said in its statement that areas that need improvement are being worked on under joint management of TS LNG and Cofiva.

Speaking of the commissioning process, testing team coordinator, Marco Costa, said, “currently, operational testing is mainly focused on checking all automated parts of the process, meaning the software that keeps the terminal functioning properly,” adding that 60 percent of these tests has been complete.

Along with the operational tests, performance test, that help demonstrate that the terminal’s maximum capacities for electricity consumption, gas flow, ship unloading, and keeping the gas cold can be achieved, are being carried out.

Costa noted that 30 percent of these tests have been completed, adding that the safety tests have already been completed before the arrival of the first cargo on July 8, 2016.

These tests have revealed a few areas for improvement that are being fixed by the contractor in charge of processes and their subcontractors, under the supervision of Dunkerque LNG.

Some items being improved include LNG level sensors, fire and gas detectors, and LNG flowmeters. All of these tests are expected to be completed shortly after the arrival of the third gas carrier, which is set for docking on November 22.

It will be the last LNG carrier before the facility enters commercial operation.

In addition, Marie-José Grandet, project control team coordinator, noted that storage elevation in cooperation with Gaz-Opale continues.

Anomalies detected during the process are being fixed by TS LNG, Grandet said, adding that the work will continue for several more months, even after Dunkerque LNG takes over operations at the terminal.

Once in full operation, the terminal is expected to be able to regasify 13 billion cbm of gas per year, enough to cover about 20 percent of France and Belgium’s yearly gas consumption.

Dunkirk LNG is 65 percent owned by EDF, 25 percent by Fluxys and 10 percent by Total.

LNG World News Staff