American Bureau of Shipping Approves Samsung Heavy Industries’ Multi-Purpose LNG Floating Facility Design
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has granted approval in principle (AiP) to Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) for its innovative design of a multi-purpose liquefied natural gas (LNG) floating facility for deep water, known as MLF-O.
SHI’s next-generation MLF-O design is specifically optimized for deepwater locations with wave heights of up to nine meters. This design offers significant advantages in terms of faster delivery and cost-effective efficiency compared to traditional onshore plants.
ABS conducted thorough design reviews based on class and statutory requirements to ensure the safety and compliance of the MLF-O design. One key feature of the design is its ability to minimize internal shock from sloshing by configuring the cargo hold in two rows. By standardizing the unit’s LNG cargo hold and hull, SHI has been able to increase capacity from 180,000 to 220,000 cubic meters.
This marks the second standard FLNG model developed by SHI, following the successful introduction of the multi-purpose LNG floater-nearshore (MLF-N) in 2023. The MLF-N was designed for coastal areas with an average wave height of two meters or less, while the MLF-O is tailored for deepwater applications, targeting overseas gas field development projects.
Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, emphasized the importance of collaboration with forward-thinking partners like SHI in advancing safety and reliability in floating energy production facilities. He stated, “ABS is dedicated to supporting the rapidly evolving offshore gas terminal market and ensuring the highest standards of safety for these assets.”
Hae-Ki Jang, Vice President and Head of Technology Development at Samsung Heavy Industries, expressed confidence in the innovative nature of the MLF-O design, highlighting its ability to reduce operating costs and delivery times while meeting the evolving needs of customers. He affirmed SHI’s commitment to maintaining its position as a pioneer in the FLNG market.
With ABS’s approval of the MLF-O design, Samsung Heavy Industries has secured a significant milestone in its quest to revolutionize LNG floating facilities for deepwater applications. The collaboration between ABS and SHI underscores the importance of innovation and safety in driving advancements in offshore energy production.