Houlder Announces New "Jettyless" LNG Ship to Shore Bunkering Solution

Houlder, Wärtsilä, and Trelleborg have developed new small to mid-scale LNG distribution infrastructure.

Houlder Ltd. (Houlder) Thursday announced that, along with Wärtsilä Corporation (Wärtsilä) and Trelleborg AB (Trelleborg), they have developed new small to mid-scale LNG distribution infrastructure, which will enable the "jettyless" transfer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkers and cargoes from ship to shore.

The new technology, which is set to be formally unveiled at the GasTech 2017 conference and exhibition in Tokyo on April 4 to 7, is said to have been developed as a solution for archipelagos and coastal communities that have "limited appetite" for major civil works required for new harbours, quaysides, and jetties due to environmental sensitivities and a lack of supporting investment.

"The floating transfer terminal comprises a self-propelled barge that shuttles to and from LNG vessels moored at up to 800m offshore," explains Houlder.

"The barge provides a base for a Houlder transfer system developed with KLAW LNG. It is a hybrid hose handling system that facilitates a safe and secure connection with the LNG vessel."

Houlder explains that the technology uses Trelleborg CRYOLINE LNG Floating Hoses to transfer LNG and Boil Off Gas between the barge and any shore facility.

The floating transfer terminal (FTT) is said to provide a cost-effective, flexible, and quickly deployable solution that can operate within a wide range of locations.

"Our challenge has been to develop a safe and cost effective solution which also reduces impact on some of the world's most environmentally sensitive areas. We look forward to sharing our innovation with delegates at the Gastech exhibition next month," said Gianpaolo Benedetti, LNG Business Development Manager at Houlder.

As Ship & Bunker reported in February, Houlder and KLAW LNG, through Signum Technology Limited (Signum), signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the development of new LNG bunker and transfer solutions.