IHI gets DNV GL approval for its floating LNG power concept

Classification society DNV GL said it has approved a floating power generation concept by Japan’s IHI Corporation.

The formal handover of the Approval in Principle took place in Tokyo on 5th July.

The FLPS (floating LNG power station) concept  is a combination of a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) and a power plant, DNV GL said in its statement issued on Thursday.

The concept is expected to be installed in locations where alternative onshore infrastructure is not feasible or commercially viable, while energy demand is rapidly increasing. The FLPS solution is also in line with the worldwide trend for decentralized power generation, the statement reads.

The main functions of the FLPS are LNG loading from a visiting LNG carrier, regasification of the LNG, power generation using natural gas and export of electricity to onshore grid. The FLPS is designed to be capable of remaining on location for up to 25 years without dry-docking, according to the statement.

“The FLPS concept considered uses a single point mooring tower yoke for position keeping, if the jetty meeting the draft requirement for both LNG carrier and FLPS is not available. The LNG is stored in two SPB tanks (Self-supporting, Prismatic shape, IMO type B) developed by Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU), IHI’s joint partner and contained within the hull of the FLPS.”

Regasification takes place in the topside facility located on the deck of the FLPS and the gas is then fed to the power generation system, which uses an “energy-efficient” combined cycle consisting of gas turbines with heat recovery steam generators and steam turbine.

The power is supplied to the onshore electricity grid by high voltage subsea power cables, the statement said.