Offshore Regasification: Gateway™

A fast, flexible and reliable LNG regasification and import solution.
  • STL Buoy
  • STL Buoys
  • STL Buoy Being Deployed
  • At a Gateway, the subsea buoy is drawn into the hull of the vessel and locked in place.
  • Regasified LNG flows from FSRU through the buoy and riser, the pipeline, and to shore.
  • Subsea Buoy System Anchored Offshore

Overview

Our proprietary deepwater LNG receiving terminal – the Gateway– is the offshore application of our floating regasification technology. It is especially suited to areas where near-shore access is not possible, due to depth restrictions, or where onshore congestion would preclude it. Gateways are located offshore and involve a significantly lower capital cost compared to a traditional land-based terminal. They provide a fast LNG import solution with a typical project timeline of approximately 18 months from investment decision to operation, depending on location-specific characteristics and geographic conditions. They also provide a highly flexible LNG receiving terminal, enabling us to respond rapidly to changing demand conditions downstream.

How It Works

A Gateway terminal consists of a subsea buoy system anchored offshore and linked to a subsea pipeline to shore by a flexible riser. This buoy system is used as both the mooring mechanism for Excelerate's Energy Bridge® brand floating regasification and storage units (FSRUs) and as the conduit through which natural gas is delivered to the subsea pipeline. When an FSRU arrives at a Gateway, the subsea buoy is drawn into the hull of the vessel and locked in place. The regasified LNG then flows from the ship, through the buoy and riser, into the pipeline, and to shore, where it is delivered to the local gas-pipeline network.

Through our ship-to-ship LNG transfer protocol, LNG is delivered into one of our FSRUs from a traditional LNG carrier. The regasification of LNG continues uninterrupted throughout the STS LNG transfer procedure, ensuring a continuous supply of gas to the local market.

Advantages

Our Gateways are capable of delivering natural gas at flow rates from 50 MMscf/d to a peak of 800 MMscf/d. The gas throughput capacity of our GasPorts can also be increased to meet the larger regasification capacities of future generations of Energy Bridge® brand FSRUs. As proven in deliveries throughout severe weather conditions, Gateways, with their robust design, provide reliable and ready access to markets for both the long- and short-term.

Having operated two such facilities, our company is the world leader in the development and operation of offshore LNG importation solutions. Our experience, strategic partnerships with key suppliers and investment in long-lead items allow us to rapidly execute projects safely, quickly, and efficiently.