World’s largest FSRU docks in Hong Kong as offshore LNG terminal readies for commissioning

World’s largest floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU), MOL FSRU Challenger, has arrived in Hong Kong where it will serve the offshore LNG terminal that is due for final commissioning soon.

According to CLP Power and HK Electric, the power companies that are jointly developing Hong Kong’s first offshore LNG terminal, the FSRU arrived on 13 April and is staying at the South Cheung Chau Anchorage.

When checks and port clearance procedures are completed, the FSRU vessel will sail to the offshore LNG terminal east of the Soko Islands next week for the final commissioning of the project, the companies said.

The FSRU vessel, which will be named Bauhinia Spirit, is the world’s largest with an overall length of 345 metres and a storage capacity of 263,000 m3 of LNG. The vessel was upgraded at Keppel Shipyard in Singapore.

It will be moored at the jetty of the offshore LNG terminal and be used to receive, store, and regasify LNG. The terminal will supply gas to two destinations in Hong Kong, the Black Point Power Station in the New Territories and Lamma Power Station at Lamma Island.

The offshore LNG terminal is the first of its kind in Hong Kong and it included the construction of a marine jetty and two subsea gas pipelines, which has been completed.

Commissioning of equipment is underway and the terminal is scheduled for operation in mid-2023, CLP Power informed.

Dutch tank storage company Vopak, which was pursuing the acquisition of 49.99% of the FSRU from Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), decided to drop the acquisition. However, the company said it will remain involved in the commissioning of the terminal and will continue to provide support to the operation of the terminal as required.