ABB to Supply Power Systems for Petronas’ Next FLNG Facility

ABB, the Swiss power and automation group announced today it will be playing an important role in the development of Petronas’ second floating LNG facility PFLNG2 by supplying the high power electrical systems on board such as transformers, switchboards, motor-control centers and the facility’s power management system.

Supplying the substantial power systems required to produce, process and then liquefy natural gas is not a straight-forward solution when it all needs to fit on board a vessel floating in the ocean.  ABB says their systems will be accommodated in two prefabricated electrical houses, or e-houses, that stretch as high as a five-story building.  These substations will ensure this equipment remains safe from the corrosive marine environment as well as hazardous gas and provide a safe environment for the operation crew.

With the inherent geographic flexibility and low environmental impact of a Floating LNG production facility, the FLNG concept has gained a significant amount of interest over the past few years with three such vessels currently ordered via Petronas and Shell.  ABB cites a report by Douglas-Westwood estimating the market for such vessels to be worth $64 billion between now and 2020.