FLOUNDER

• Latitude: -38.311
• Longitude: 148.44
• East Australia
• Offshore Terminal in Australia

Location: Australia

The FLOUNDER offshore terminal is one of the key infrastructure elements in Australia utilized for the handling, storage, and transportation of hydrocarbons such as crude oil and natural gas. Offshore terminals like FLOUNDER typically serve various functions including aiding in the extraction process, providing storage capacity, and enabling the safe and efficient transfer of hydrocarbons to onshore facilities or directly to tankers for export.

Description:

• Location: The FLOUNDER offshore terminal is located off the coast of Australia, strategically positioned to facilitate access to significant hydrocarbon reserves beneath the seabed.

• Functionality: The terminal primarily supports the production, processing, and export of crude oil and natural gas. It often serves as a hub connecting subsea wellheads to onshore processing facilities or to other infrastructure.

• Facilities: Equipped with multiple berths to accommodate various sizes of tankers, both for crude oil and natural gas. The terminal may also include pipelines, storage tanks, and transfer systems to ensure efficient operations.

• Role in Supply Chain: FLOUNDER plays a crucial role in the hydrocarbon supply chain, acting as a midpoint between offshore production rigs and either onshore refineries or global shipping routes.

Specifications:

1. Berthing Facilities:

   • Number of Berths: Multiple, with capacity to accommodate various sizes of tankers (from small vessels to VLCCs - Very Large Crude Carriers).
   • Loading/Unloading Rates: High-capacity pumps and transfer lines to ensure rapid loading/unloading.

2. Storage Capacity:

   • Oil Storage: Large floating or fixed storage units capable of handling millions of barrels of oil.
   • Natural Gas Storage: Specialized tanks or pressure vessels to store natural gas, often in liquefied form (LNG).

3. Pipeline Infrastructure:

   • Subsea Pipelines: Extensive network connecting subsea wellheads to the terminal.
   • Export Pipelines: Linking the terminal to onshore facilities or further distribution networks.

4. Safety and Environmental Measures:

   • Spill Response Tools: Equipped with booms, skimmers, and other spill containment and recovery equipment.
   • Monitoring Systems: Advanced surveillance technologies to detect leaks or other environmental hazards.
   • Emission Controls: Adhering to stringent regulations to minimize emissions, including flaring and venting controls.

5. Operational Support:

   • Onsite Workforce: A team of skilled personnel for operations, maintenance, and emergency response.
   • Logistics Support: Helicopter pads, supply vessels, and other logistics infrastructure to support continuous operation.

6. Technical Specifications:

   • Mooring Systems: Advanced mooring systems (spread moorings, Single Point Moorings (SPMs), or others) to secure vessels during loading/unloading.
   • Automation and Control: State-of-the-art automation systems for monitoring and controlling all terminal operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and reliability.

Environmental and Safety Compliance:

• Regulation Adherence: Compliant with Australian national regulations and international standards for environmental protection, worker safety, and operational integrity.
• Continuous Improvement: Regular audits and upgrades to incorporate the latest in safety and environmental best practices.

Economic and Strategic Importance:

• National Energy Security: Contributing significantly to Australia’s energy supply chain.
• Economic Impact: Facilitates export revenues by enabling large-scale hydrocarbon exports.

In conclusion, the FLOUNDER offshore terminal represents a critical component in Australia’s energy infrastructure, combining advanced technology, robust safety measures, and substantial capacity to handle the nation's offshore hydrocarbon resources efficiently and responsibly.