‘Critical milestone’ for Scotland’s floating LNG import terminal as British firm wins engineering design job

Crown LNG Holdings, a provider of liquefaction and regasification terminal technologies for harsh weather locations, has picked a partner for the design and engineering of its planned and fully owned floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) import terminal in Scotland’s Firth of Forth.

As a result, the UK-based IKM Engineering & Environmental Consultants, a civil and structural engineering and environmental consultancy, has been put in charge of the design and engineering of the Grangemouth LNG infrastructure project in the Firth of Forth, Scotland. The LNG project owner describes this appointment as “a critical milestone” in advancing the planned development toward a final investment decision (FID), targeted for late 2024.

Swapan Kataria, CEO of Crown LNG, highlighted: “After a rigorous review process of some of the most widely known and respected civil and structural engineering consultancies in the UK, we are pleased to announce the selection of IKM, part of the Global Energy Group, as our engineering partner.

“With an existing presence in Grangemouth and extensive experience across water and energy infrastructure, they have the unique capability to support the development and completion of the project safely, effectively and efficiently. Their partnership will help to advance our efforts toward FID for this critical project and expand the UK’s energy security through enhanced access to reliable natural gas supplies.”

Located on the east coast of Scotland, the Grangemouth project aims to support Britain’s rising drive for energy security post-Brexit, especially in the context of geopolitical impacts on energy markets. Currently, the UK depends on three facilities for all of the country’s LNG imports, which jumped 74% from 2021 to 2022.

This assignment will enable IKM to handle the pre-front end engineering and design (pre-FEED) and FEED phases, including project management and execution planning. The specific services to be provided encompass consenting, overall process design, facility layout optimization, detailed engineering, and procurement support.

Ian Maclachlan, IKM’s Founder, commented: “IKM are pleased to be supporting Crown LNG’s major investment in the Scottish economy. The project will provide a critical step in the transition to a low carbon economy and provide energy, infrastructure and jobs both in Fife and Grangemouth.”

As a site study for the location of the import facility and LNG vessel access has been completed, Crown intends to embark on the consenting process with the Scottish and UK governments. The firm entered into an exclusivity agreement with GBTron Lands to use the proposed offshore site on the Forth River. Given the availability of the existing power grid and gas grid access within ten miles of the proposed site location, the operator will employ a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) technology for the project.

With the global demand for LNG forecast to increase from 351 million tons per annum (mtpa) in 2020 to approximately 570 mtpa by 2030 while an LNG supply deficit of more than 40 mtpa is expected during the period, Crown believes that additional new facilities for export and import of LNG are needed over the next decade to curb the anticipated LNG supply shortfall.

With this at the forefront, Crown is working on another project, aside from Grangemouth, which is called Kakinada. The project, on the east coast of India, is expected to take advantage of existing onshore natural gas infrastructure with the preliminary front-end engineering and design studies already completed.

Following the completion of its business combination with Catcha Investment, Crown LNG is a U.S.-listed company. The firm targets the first gas from Grangemouth in Q1 2027. The 5 mpta Grangemouth LNG import terminal’s estimated investment is expected to amount to $533 million.

In February 2024, Crown LNG confirmed discussions with the Scottish Government over a guaranteed offtake of 2 mtpa for the National Grid, 1.0 mtpa capacity reserved for shorter-term spot contracts, and 2 mtpa demand for the power plant which is currently being developed by GBTron and expected to be online in 2030. The company wants to use gravity-based structures (GBS) for LNG regasification and liquefaction facilities. 

Moreover, Crown’s GBS facilities are designed to rest directly on the seabed, after preparation and leveling, with the rectangular concrete structure, built onshore in drydock, towed to the location. A typical GBS contains two membrane tank compartments, which store the LNG temporarily after unloading, or before delivery onshore.

The firm’s ‘LNG island’ is perceived to offer greater reliability, allowing operations year-round, including in harsh weather conditions, when compared with floating alternatives. The LNG player intends to construct its GBS facilities in partnership with Aker Solutions, Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, and Siemens Energy.