The certification testing of the new technology is reportedly a worldwide first, paving the way for the creation of a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) unit at sea.

The certification of the flexible hose is the result of trials carried out by Gaz de France (GDF) and engineering services provider Technip at the Montoir-de-Bretagne LNG site in France.

The operational tests, including simulated sea swell during connection operations and full-load LNG circulation, as well as emergency disconnections were all successfully completed.

This new transfer system is based on a flexible large-diameter cryogenic hose known as the amplitude-LNG loading system. With this new flexible hose, it is reportedly possible to transfer LNG from the departure and arrival points in the LNG chain toward a deep-sea or coastal terminal, while ensuring optimal availability of all facilities.