DNV GL has given Approval in Principle (AIP) to the FLPS (Floating LNG Power Station) concept, proposed by Japanese company IHI, after studying the design.

The international certification body and classification society said that the new, innovative design complies with class standards from DNV GL and other relevant standards.

IHI’s FLPS concept has been developed by combining the Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) and a power plant.

The FLPS can load LNG from a visiting LNG carrier, degasify, generate power from the LNG and supply it to the onshore grid.

It can be suitable for installation in places where alternative onshore infrastructure is not feasible or commercially viable, despite growing demand for energy.

The FLPS concept can also offer advantage to the LNG receiving locations to generate power using natural gas to improve the power mix in the region.

DNV GL Business Development, Offshore Gas Projects vice president Conn Fagan said: “We are pleased to be involved together with IHI in such a project, as it represents a move forward in developing technology which can be used to supply energy needs around the world.

“It has potential for many different applications, both short term and also long term, and will add a flexibility to the energy mix wherever it may be deployed.”

The FLPS will store LNG in to SPB tanks (Self-supporting, Prismatic shape, IMO type B) developed by Japan Marine United (JMU), contained within the hull of the FLPS.

LNG regasification will be done at the topside built on the deck, after which the gas will be supplied to the power generation system. The power generation will be done through an energy-efficient combined cycle process consisting of gas turbines with heat recovery steam generators and steam turbine.

The power generated from the FLPS will then be supplied to the onshore electricity grid through high voltage subsea power cables.

IHI’s FLPS concept is claimed to remain on location for up to 25 years without dry-docking.

FLPS concept has been developed leveraging IHI’s experience in building onshore LNG receiving terminals and LNG containment systems, and JMU’s experience with shipbuilding, offshore and SPB technology.

Siemens and the Norwegian company Sevan Marine are also working on a floating power plant concept which will supply power continuously unaffected by earthquakes and tsunamis.

These plants can be anchored off the coast which can supply 700MW of electricity for the mainland by using liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Kotug and Becker Marine Systems had signed a memorandum of understanding in 2015 to develop a LNG Hybrid Barge which will supply energy to cruise ships.

Image: A 3D model of the FLPS concept. IHI Corporation in Japan/ DNV GL