With installation ops done, Germany’s new LNG terminal ready for FSRU connection to gas grid (Video)

Norway’s technology company ECOnnect Energy is nearing the last mile of the installation work related to a jettyless ready IQuay solution for liquefied natural gas (LNG) import to Germany’s second terminal in Wilhelmshaven. As a result, the Norwegian player’s French contractor, Geocean, has reached the end of its assignment on this project.

After FSRU Wilhelmshaven, a joint venture between Tree Energy Solution (TES) and ENGIE, signed a contract for installation works with ECOnnect Energy, following the execution of the supply contract, signed in 2022, to deliver a jettyless ready IQuay solution for the offshore jetty at Wilhelmshaven, Geocean was hired to work at the Wilhelmshaven 2 LNG terminal, which was scheduled to begin commercial operations in the second half of 2024.

Afterward, the French firm began the initial stage of the project to install a 1.7-kilometer-long gas import pipeline 14 meters under the sea, directly connecting the floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) Excelsior, owned by the U.S.-based Excelerate Energy, to the German grid, as well as to deliver the complete installation services to the FSRU Wilhelmshaven for the IQuay.

Geocean unloaded three of the six thermo composite pipes (TCP) reels at the Eurogate terminal and loaded the pipeline end manifolds and flexible riser hoses on board the Fast-Flex barge. With TCP lines connected to the gas grid at the shore, the subsea pipeline end manifold (PLEM) installation came up next on the firm’s agenda, as part of the jettyless IQuay F-Class to fast-track LNG.

Since the first PLEM installation was complete, the French firm’s Fast-Flex barge reached the FSRU jetty, and the TCP laying operation into the pre-trench was also done. The company then installed the second TCP line, its PLEM, and the power cable at the Wilhelmshaven LNG terminal project.

Geocean, which approached the conclusion of its assignment in Wilhelmshaven, has installed the last three TCP lines using its Fast-Flex barge, terminated by the second PLEM, which are parts of the jettyless IQuay F-Class, described as an original configuration by ECOnnect Energy for fast track LNG projects. The power and fibre optical cable was also installed between the mooring jetty and the shore.

“This final milestone concludes Geocean’s installation work on this new LNG terminal, provided by ECOnnect Energy, enabling Germany to secure and diversify its gas supply,” highlighted the French firm.

Installation of the last three TCP lines using Geocean’s Fast-Flex barge

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ECOnnect Energy also confirmed the installation of the final three TCP lines, capped by the second PLEM, which forms part of its configuration for fast-tracked LNG importation. With the power and fiber-optic cables installed between the mooring jetty and the shore, the firm claims that the flowline system is now ready for the arrival of the FSRU and its connection to the gas grid.

While pointing out that it is approaching the final installation phase of the jettyless IQuay F-Class at Wilhelmshaven, the Norwegian player underlined: “This milestone marks the completion of installation work for this new LNG terminal, positioning Germany to further secure and diversify its gas supply!”

The wrap-up of installation work comes shortly after Van Oord assembled the FSRU jetty destined for the LNG terminal operated by Deutsche Energy Terminal (DET), part of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and a state-owned operator of four terminals.

This occurred eight months after Van Oord confirmed the contract to build the vessel running on LNG, as this is seen as a more sustainable alternative to marine gas oil (MGO), reducing sulfur, particulate, and nitrogen dioxide emissions. Germany’s first floating terminal for importing LNG in Wilhelmshaven was officially commissioned for service in December 2022.

The list of the DET-operated four LNG terminals on the German North Sea coast includes Wilhelmshaven 1, Brunsbüttel, Wilhelmshaven 2,  and Stade. However, the last two are said to be under construction. Fairplay Towage Group has been picked as the towage provider for the floating LNG terminals in Brunsbüttel, Stade, and Wilhelmshaven.

The start-up of commercial operations of the Wilhelmshaven 2 LNG terminal will enable KN Energies to take the reins of the terminal’s technical operation and maintenance infrastructure, including the berth, its equipment, and the pipeline, the organization of technical teamwork, and the coordination of preventive actions.