Excelerate Energy L.P. (Excelerate), in collaboration with Dubai Supply Authority (DUSUP), has completed the first commercial gas-up operation at DUSUP’s Jebel Ali LNG Import Terminal via Excelerate’s floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) Explorer on August 31, 2016. The FSRU gassed-up all five tanks of a 173,000 m3 LNG Carrier, in a 17-hour period. DUSUP’s ability to utilize the FSRU for these operations will allow LNG vessels departing regional dry docks avoid having to travel significant distances to perform this required step in the LNG cargo cycle, making Dubai a full-service LNG hub. A second similar gas-up operation was completed a few days later on another vessel.
FSRU Explorer - Image courtesy: Excelerate Energy
This achievement not only demonstrates the enhanced capabilities of the newly upgraded Explorer, but it also illustrates the versatility of FSRU terminals in their ability to provide more than just regasification services. As part of Explorer’s recent upgrades, the vessel can now provide gas-up, cool-down, and loading services to LNG carriers. The FSRU was also upgraded to include an LNG bunker port to service small-scale LNG offtakers.
“We are pleased to support DUSUP in its ability to be a full-service LNG provider in the region,” stated Chief Executive Officer Rob Bryngelson. “With the added capabilities of Explorer, Jebel Ali LNG Terminal is more than just an import terminal. We are committed to offering safe, efficient, and customized solutions to our customers.”
Gas-up is one of the mandatory operations an LNG carrier must perform to make the cargo tanks ready to receive LNG cargoes after leaving the dry dock.
In 2010, DUSUP completed the construction of the LNG import terminal in the port of Jebel Ali, which allows for the import of LNG via an FSRU. The terminal is located 35 kilometers southwest of the city of Dubai and provides natural gas for power generation and other industrial uses. To meet the increasing demand for natural gas in the Emirate, DUSUP entered into a long-term Time Charter Party Agreement with Excelerate in 2014 for a larger and more efficient FSRU to replace its existing regasification vessel. The Explorer has 151,000 cubic meters of LNG storage capacity and is permanently moored alongside the jetty at Jebel Ali and can accommodate deliveries from ships as large as 263,000 cubic meters. DUSUP was founded under Decree N° 2 of 1992 with the sole authority to buy, store, distribute and sell natural gas within Dubai.
Source: Excelerate Energy