STS LNG Transfer

Ensuring continuous supplies of LNG to market.
  • STS Transfer of LNG in the open ocean.
  • An FSRU transfers its cargo to our Energy Bridge FSRU via flexible cryogenic hoses.
  • STS Transfer of LNG at GNL Escobar
  • STS Transfer of LNG at Bahía Blanca GasPort.
  • Across the dock STS transfer of LNG at Mina Al-Ahmadi GasPort.
  • STS lightering of LNG.

Overview

The value chain demanded it, so w­­e invented it. In response to the demand for a more agile LNG importation solution, to enhance the capabilities of Excelerate's Energy Bridge® brand floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs), and to increase the flexibility of cargo delivery operations, we developed and implemented the first commercial ship-to-ship (STS) LNG transfer system. To date, we have undertaken more than 200 STS transfers, totaling more than 20 million cubic meters of LNG.

How It Works

The STS transfer of LNG occurs in the open ocean, in a protected body of water at a location between the LNG load port and the market delivery point, or at the GasPort or Gateway terminal. A conventional LNG carrier moors alongside the Energy Bridge FSRU and transfers its cargo to the FSRU via flexible cryogenic hoses. This allows us to use our FSRUs as distinct regasification terminals and reserve the conventional LNG carriers for long-haul transport and delivery of cargos from the LNG load port to the STS location. The trans-shipment operation can be undertaken without double-banking the LNG carriers by transferring the LNG cargo across or along the jetty from the supply vessel to the receiving vessel.  This configuration utilizes cryogenic hard arms to transfer the cargo in place of the flexible cryogenic hoses.

On March 29, 2011, our company reached an industry landmark when we successfully completed our 100th STS transfer operation. This took place in Kuwait at the Mina Al-Ahmadi GasPort, using the tandem LNG transfer system. Of the first 100 STS transfers, 106 involved the use of flexible hoses, in which two ships were moored to each other. The remainder were undertaken using hard arms and the tandem LNG transfer system. As of today, we have completed over 200 such operations.

Advantages

STS transfers enhance the capabilities of FSRUs by allowing them to be used as dedicated LNG regasification terminals with conventional LNG carriers transporting and delivering LNG supplies to the FSRU.

STS transfers of LNG capture economies of scale by enabling smaller shuttle vessels to take deliveries from larger LNG carriers. These smaller vessels can deliver LNG to locations where, because of port and draft restrictions, larger carriers cannot gain access.

At Excelerate Energy, we have also undertaken STS transfers for gas in cool-down operations. Performing this activity offshore saves time, and therefore costs, at the load terminal and provides a solution for vessels visiting terminals that allow berthing only in a cooled-down condition.

Our company was the industry pioneer in commercial STS LNG transfer operations. The system is fully tested, certified and exceeds international standards for the transfer of LNG. The process has been proven in a wide range of environmental conditions at multiple locations worldwide and is widely accepted in the LNG industry.