Point Lng

Analysts: Demand for LNG Tankers Decreasing

Excess capacity in the global fleet of liquefied natural gas carriers will be at its highest this decade in 2008, as a growing worldwide fleet results in lower utilization rates, according to the Royal Gazette. Demand for LNG tankers has deteriorated markedly as a result of a large increase in fleet supply partly caused by speculative orders for new ships, industry analysts pointed out. Utilization of the LNG fleet will fall to 77.4 percent in 2008, almost 13 percentage points lower than at the beginning of the decade, data showed. Falling utilization hurts revenue for companies such as Oslo-based Bergesen Worldwide Gas ASA and Golar LNG Ltd. of Hamilton, Bermuda. Rising earnings for operating LNG tankers have encouraged some shipowners to order vessels without first having them assigned to particular projects. Improved productivity in the existing fleet has also added to the surplus capacity, analysts reported. The growth in the surplus is already slowing because supply disruptions from Indonesia are forcing Japan, the world's largest LNG importer, to source shipments from further away, tying up ships for longer periods. The global fleet of liquefied natural gas carriers will expand 16 percent by the first quarter of 2007, according to Oslo-based shipbrokers R.S. Platou a.s. (Source: Royal Gazette)

Rhode Island Passes Bill on LNG Ship Ops

The House of Representatives today voted 66-0 to approve legislation introduced by Rep. Raymond E. Gallison Jr. to require any LNG tanker to have an LNG-certified American master mariner present on each trip through Rhode Island waters and during transfer of cargo. Representative Gallison, chairman of the Special House Commission to Study the Transportation of Liquefied Natural Gas and a Democrat who represents District 69 in Bristol and Portsmouth

Darwin LNG Shipment Delayed

The first shipment of liquefied natural gas from Darwin has hit a snag, with the tanker delayed in port for several days. The Kotowaka Maru arrived at ConocoPhillip's Wickham Point plant in Darwin early last Wednesday to load the first cargo from Australia's second LNG export project. The shipment was due to leave Darwin within two days, but the 125,000 cubic meter carrier still remained in the port last night. About 3 million tons of LNG

Port Dolphin Files Deepwater Port Application with Coast Guard

Port Dolphin Energy LLC, a wholly owned US subsidiary of the Norwegian based company Höegh LNG AS, has submitted an application to the U.S. Coast Guard for approval to build and operate a deep water port for the import of natural gas to Florida's west coast. The proposed project will consist of: two submerged turret unloading and mooring buoys (STL type) to receive an average of up to 800 million cubic feet per day of natural gas from LNG Shuttle and Regasification Vessels (SRVs)

LNG Vessel Docks at Teesport

PD Ports welcomed the arrival of U.S.A based Excelerate Energy’s first full LNG vessel, since the regasification facility opened at Teesport in 2007. The liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker, named after its owners, Excelerate, entered the Tees River in the early hours of Monday 13th April.  The vessel, which stands some 909 ft in length, was carrying 58,500 tonnes of LNG.  The vessel had sailed from Point Fortin in Trinidad.

Washington State Ferries Explores LNG as Fuel

“WSF burns more than 17 million gallons of ultra-low sulfur diesel each year – and it’s our fastest growing operating expense. LNG has the potential to significantly reduce emissions and the cost of fuel,” said Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Assistant Secretary David Moseley. LNG as a fuel is a promising, but new technology. To ensure that the safety, security and operational challenges of such a move is handled in a responsible manner

ConocoPhillips Finalizes Agreement with Freeport LNG

ConocoPhillips announced the finalization of its transaction with Freeport LNG Development, L.P. to participate in a proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving terminal in Quintana, Brazoria County, Texas. ConocoPhillips has acquired 1 billion cubic feet (BCF) per day of regasification capacity in the terminal, has obtained a 50 percent interest in the general partner managing the venture and will provide substantial construction funding to the venture.

ConocoPhillips Signs Agreement with Freeport LNG

ConocoPhillips announced the signing of an agreement with Freeport LNG Development, L.P. to participate in its proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving terminal in Quintana, Texas. ConocoPhillips will acquire 1 billion cu. Ft. (BCF) per day of regasification capacity in the terminal for its use and obtain a 50 percent interest in the general partner managing the venture. ConocoPhillips will be primarily responsible for management of construction and operation of the facility

Chesapeake Bay Enforces Safety and Security Zone

The U.S. Coast Guard is making permanent its current temporary safety and security zones at the Cove Point Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Terminal on Chesapeake Bay. Source: HK Law

Australian Offshore LNG Project Chooses Intergraph Software

Intergraph® SmartPlant® Enterprise selected by operator, Inpex, to manage information for mega-project, Ichthys LNG. Inpex has implemented SmartPlant Enterprise solutions for the Ichthys LNG Project, including SmartPlant Enterprise for Owner Operators (SPO) as its information management system, SmartPlant 3D and SmartMarine® 3D (collectively known as Smart 3D), SmartPlant Instrumentation, SmartPlant P&ID and SmartPlant Electrical.