ABB to equip Shell’s Prelude FLNG

Oil and gas company Shell has awarded the Swiss-based provider of power and automation technologies, ABB, a five-year contract to deliver equipment and services for Shell’s Prelude FLNG project offshore Australia.

The order includes the delivery of motors, generators, variable speed drives and low-voltage switchgear and guarantees service and lifecycle management of the electrical equipment as well as service and support for motors from third-party vendors.

Prelude’s electrical system will power 14 gas plant modules, allowing the facility to produce 5.3 million tons per annum of liquids.

ABB also said it would build up a spare parts inventory, workshop repairs, training and provide technical support both over the phone and on-site. Spare parts and replacement systems are being procured this year, with training to begin soon after.

Prelude is the world’s first floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) facility. With a length of 488 meters and 74 meters of width, it is the largest floating facility ever built.

Once towed to its location off the northwest coast of Australia, it will be attached to the underwater infrastructure in the Browse basin. It is scheduled to remain there for up to 25 years without uncoupling for overhaul, or to take shelter from cyclones.

Pekka Tiitinen, president of ABB’s Discrete Automation and Motion division, said: “A reliable service network is crucial for the facility’s productivity. Prelude will be equipped with ABB’s integrated marine solutions for optimal reliability, flexibility and energy efficiency to assure higher profitability.

“In line with our Next Level strategy of business-led collaboration various ABB businesses will work together to mobilize the strength and experience of our entire global service organization.”