ABS has awarded approval in principle for a next-generation, highly efficient concept of a regasification system for floating storage regasification units  and floating liquefied natural gas terminals that uses natural circulation.

The technology was developed by Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering , the intermediate holding company of Hyundai Heavy Industries Group, and Hyundai Heavy Industries and is a follow-on model to the Hi-ReGAS system from HHI Group.

The stand-out feature is a natural circulation system that utilizes the density difference of the fluid in the intermediate heat transfer system that transfers heat from seawater to LNG, creating a highly energy-efficient circulation system and reducing energy consumption to improve reliability.

“We are proud to use our insight and experience to support HHI Group on such innovative projects. FSRUs are in high demand right now, and this new regasification system has the potential to reduce operational expenses while increasing the reliability of the unit – a win/win situation for all involved,” said Darren Leskoski, ABS Vice President, Business Development.

“LNG will be used as a core energy source in the low-carbon era, and reducing the energy required to use LNG is a core issue for meeting carbon regulations after 2030. Highly efficient systems such as Hi-ReGAS+ are new systems that meet this global trend. We will continue to cooperate in the development of environmentally friendly core technologies in the shipbuilding and marine fields,” said Sungjoon Kim, Senior Executive Vice President & CTO of Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering.

The Hyundai Heavy Industries Group built a demonstration facility on a scale of 1/100 of an actual regasification system to verify the performance of the highly energy-efficient regasification system. Based on the experience accumulated through long-term operation of the demonstration facility, improvements were identified and applied to the design. After an analysis by ABS, an AIP for this ship class was obtained.

ABS is the preferred classification organization for the offshore and energy industry and has been integral to the evolution of gas development with a long history of working with floating gas concepts. A copy of the ABS Guide for Building and Classing LNG Regasification Vessels can be downloaded here.