As global demand for flexible energy solutions surges, Kinetics, a Karpowership initiative, is giving a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier (LNGC) a new lease on life by transforming the vessel into an LNG transporter (LNGT), a utility-scale floating powerhouse designed to bolster energy security.
Kinetics has decided to further expand its LNG infrastructure fleet through the conversion of the Arctic Voyager LNG carrier into an FSRU to be named LNGT Akdeniz, which will be a multi-spec unit with a storage capacity of approximately 143,000 cubic meters (cbm) and a regasification flow rate of 650 million scfd, with Moss-type cargo tanks and an expected economic life of 20 years.
Mehmet Katmer, General Manager of Kinetics, commented: "The global LNG market continues to show strong demand for flexible, rapidly deployable regasification infrastructure. Growing focus on security of energy supply, the need for flexible import capacity and the ability to bring gas infrastructure online within shorter development timelines all support demand for floating LNG solutions.
“This latest investment further strengthens Kinetics' ability to serve a broad range of market requirements through a diversified fleet of high-specification, utility-scale FSRU assets."
This unit will complement the existing fleet of Karpowership’s affiliate, providing utility-scale regasification capacity, together with the flexibility to serve a wide range of project configurations. The delivery of the converted vessel is expected in Q3 2028.
Zeynep Harezi Yılmaz, Chief Commercial Officer of Karpowership, highlighted: "By growing its fleet of floating LNG infrastructure, Kinetics is strengthening the group's ability to help clients secure reliable energy supply and diversify their energy mix as they move towards a lower-carbon future.”
This LNG-to-FSRU conversion comes months after Kinetics began the construction of the first in its series of planned next-generation FSRUs at Seatrium’s Tuas Boulevard Yard in Singapore.