PFLNG SATU

  • Latitude: 6.44667
  • Longitude: 115.435
  • Indonesia
  • Offshore Terminal in Malaysia

Location: Malaysia

PFLNG SATU (Petronas Floating LNG 1), operated by Petronas, is Malaysia's first floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) facility. It is a groundbreaking project in the LNG industry designed to process, liquefy, store, and offload natural gas directly at the offshore gas field. Here are the detailed descriptions and specifications of PFLNG SATU:

Description and Key Features:

  1. Functionality:

    • The PFLNG SATU is designed to extract, process, liquefy, and store natural gas from offshore gas fields, directly at the extraction site.
    • It aims to provide an efficient and cost-effective solution for monetizing stranded gas fields which are otherwise not economically viable to develop through traditional onshore LNG plants.
  2. Location:

    • The facility is primarily deployed at the Kanowit gas field located off the coast of Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia in the South China Sea.
  3. Operational Highlights:

    • PFLNG SATU commenced operations in 2016 and marks a significant milestone as one of the world's first operational FLNG units.
    • The facility reduces the need for extensive pipelines to shore and additional transportation infrastructure, making it an efficient solution for gas field development.
  4. Technology and Design:

    • Incorporates state-of-the-art gas processing and liquefaction technology.
    • The facility includes systems for gas receiving, pretreatment, liquefaction, storage, and offloading.

Specifications:

  1. Dimensions:

    • Length: Approximately 365 meters
    • Width: Around 60 meters
    • Height: About 33 meters from hull to main deck
  2. Capacity:

    • Production Capacity: Able to produce around 1.2 million tonnes of LNG per annum.
    • Storage: LNG storage capacity in specialized cryogenic tanks to ensure the gas remains in liquid form.
  3. Liquefaction Process:

    • Employs a refrigerant-based process to cool down the natural gas to about -162°C, transforming it into liquid state for ease of storage and transport.
  4. Mooring System:

    • Equipped with advanced mooring mechanisms to stabilize the facility amidst challenging marine conditions.
    • Designed to withstand significant environmental stressors, including strong winds and waves, ensuring continuous and safe operations.
  5. Safety and Environmental Considerations:

    • Advanced safety systems including emergency shutdown systems, fire and gas detection systems, and blast protection.
    • Designed to minimize environmental impact with strict adherence to international environmental standards.
  6. Operational Support:

    • Crew accommodation and facilities to support a large workforce operating offshore.
    • Helicopter deck to facilitate transportation of personnel and supplies.

Impact and Importance:

  • Economic Impact: PFLNG SATU represents a cost-efficient approach to accessing remote and stranded gas fields, contributing to energy security and the economic growth of Malaysia.
  • Technological Milestone: It is a testament to the advancements in FLNG technology, opening up new possibilities for offshore gas field development.
  • Flexibility: The mobility of FLNG units like PFLNG SATU allows for redeployment to different gas fields once the current field is depleted, providing significant operational flexibility.

In summary, PFLNG SATU is a significant technological achievement that showcases the potential of floating LNG facilities in making remote offshore gas resources economically viable while maintaining high standards of safety and environmental stewardship.

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