en.Wedoany.com Reported - As demand for life extension and conversion of offshore LNG assets rises, converting LNGCs (Liquefied Natural Gas Carriers) into FSUs (Floating Storage Units) is becoming a more economical option than new builds. Svanehoj, a specialist in marine pumps and liquefied gas safety systems, recently signed a contract with Drydocks World Dubai to supply an LTD metering system for the conversion of the LNGC "LNG Bayelsa" into the FSU "Cap Lopez." This project is part of the Gabon FLNG (Floating Liquefied Natural Gas) development, aimed at reducing gas flaring and increasing the country's daily production capacity by approximately 105 million standard cubic feet.
For Svanehoj, this project marks its entry into the niche market of LNGC-to-FSU conversions, representing a strategic direction for the application of LTD metering system technology while also driving the expansion of offshore LNG infrastructure. Fabrice Vandewalle, LNG/Cryogenic Sales Manager at Svanehoj France, stated that this is the company's first supply of an LTD metering system for an LNGC-to-FSU conversion, aligning with its plan to enhance its presence in the offshore LNG infrastructure sector. In conversion projects, existing equipment often fails to meet the new functional requirements of the vessel, making advanced monitoring and safety systems critical for safe and reliable long-term offshore operations.
The project is being executed by Dixstone Lower Gulf FZCO as the owner, and the new FSU will be used for offshore gas storage and export. The overall conversion involves extensive ship modifications, including steel structure processing, piping installation, addition of new process modules, and tank coating, and must pass life extension certification from Lloyd's Register.
Svanehoj will supply four sets of LTD metering systems for the vessel, replacing the existing float-type level gauges. The upgraded equipment will automatically and continuously measure the density and gas composition of LNG in the tanks, with real-time data transmitted to rollover prediction software to detect LNG stratification and provide warnings before potential rollover events, ensuring operational efficiency and onboard safety. The Cap Lopez FSU conversion project is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2027, reflecting the industry trend of converting existing LNG assets into offshore floating infrastructure to support liquefaction, storage, and export operations.
