Floating Liquefaction - Floating liquefaction facilities process gas offshore to expand LNG export capacity.
Floating liquefaction (FLNG) is a groundbreaking technology that is fundamentally changing the way natural gas is produced. Unlike FSRUs, which are used for importing LNG, FLNG vessels are designed to produce LNG directly at the offshore gas field. They are essentially a full-scale liquefaction plant built on a floating vessel, anchored above a subsea gas field. This technology eliminates the need for expensive and environmentally impactful subsea pipelines to transport gas to an onshore liquefaction plant.
FLNG vessels are a perfect solution for monetizing "stranded" gas fields—those that are located in remote or deep-water areas and are not economically viable to develop using traditional onshore infrastructure. These vessels can process the gas, liquefy it, and then offload it directly to LNG carriers for transport to market. The mobility of FLNG vessels is a major advantage; once a field is depleted, the vessel can be disconnected and moved to another location. While this technology is still in its early stages of commercial deployment, it is a game-changer for the natural gas supply chain, providing a flexible and efficient way to unlock new gas reserves and bring them to market.