Global Offshore

Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG)

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Stay informed and supported with the assistance of ABS, Our team is here to support all of your FLNG needs.

The Trusted Advisor on FLNGs

Floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) production facilities have revolutionized the offshore energy landscape, offering innovative solutions for offshore LNG production and storage. These complex assets require technical expertise, global regulatory knowledge and innovative solutions to meet operational, sustainability and safety goals.

With over 160 years of experience with vessels and assets in the water, ABS supports FLNG projects worldwide with specialized services that span the entire life cycle — from initial concept and design through to operation and eventual decommissioning. Our unmatched knowledge of offshore production facilities, including floating production storage and offshore (FPSOs) units and LNG carriers, positions ABS as a trusted advisor in advancing FLNG projects globally.

Comprehensive Services Tailored to FLNG Projects

ABS delivers tailored classification and certification services to support the development, newbuild, conversion and operation of FLNG facilities. Our services support stakeholders in meeting technical and regulatory requirements, providing tools and guidance to help owners and operators fulfill their responsibility for asset integrity throughout the asset’s life cycle. Key offerings include:

  • Technical reviews of project designs and key documentation

  • Approvals in principle (AIPs) for innovative FLNG technologies

  • Customized solutions for unique operational challenges 

  • Long-term asset integrity management and periodic surveys

 

ABS’ classification services span every phase of an FLNG project, offering comprehensive support at each stage:

  • Concept development

  • Early engineering/Front-end engineering design (FEED)

  • Detailed design 

  • Construction

  • Commissioning

  • Offshore installation

  • Life-cycle surveys

ABS offers vital services to assist stakeholders in the conceptual and planning phases of FLNG projects. These services help guide decision-making and lay the groundwork for successful execution:

  • Concept Evaluation: Analysis and recommendations to align project designs with ABS/Industry standards and operational objectives

  • Preliminary Planning and Advice (PPA): Guidance on navigating regulatory frameworks and defining project requirements

  • Approval in Principle (AIP): Evaluation of innovative designs for alignment with safety, regulatory and operational criteria 

  • Basic Design/FEED Approval: Review and validation of designs developed during FEED phases

As a class society, ABS provides critical services that are essential for FLNG projects to achieve compliance and operational readiness:

  • Detail Design Approval: In-depth review and validation of detailed engineering designs for compliance with applicable Rules and standards

  • Fabrication Survey: Oversight during the construction phase to verify that structures and systems meet class and regulatory requirements

  • Installation, Start-Up and Commissioning: Support during the deployment and activation of FLNG facilities, supporting compliance and safety at every stage 

  • Survey After Construction: Supporting asset integrity management, including periodic surveys, to maintain the classification of FLNG assets throughout their operational life

Compliance with global and regional regulations is critical to the success of FLNG projects. ABS has decades of experience collaborating with regulatory bodies worldwide, including a longstanding memorandum of understanding with the United States Coast Guard (USCG). Our regulatory services include:

  • Guidance on U.S. and international regulatory standards

  • Delegated authority from the USCG to approve and survey FLNG assets

  • Long established relationships with local regulators, and familiarity with local regulations

With engineering offices strategically located in key maritime regions, ABS offers localized support backed by global resources. Our technical services include:

  • Preliminary design reviews and advanced risk assessments

  • Engineering analyses of containment systems, mooring technologies and liquefaction processes

  • Real-time project oversight enabled by ABS’ advanced plan review management systems

Safety and operational efficiency are integral to FLNG operations. ABS enhances these priorities through:

  • Risk-Based Inspections (RBI): Advanced methodologies tailored to global standards

  • Remote Inspection Technologies (RIT): Flexible solutions that minimize downtime

  • ABS MyFreedom™: Seamless access to engineering and survey data for improved project management

As a leader in sustainability for the offshore energy sector, ABS offers services that help FLNG operators reduce their environmental footprint and align with global decarbonization goals. These services include:

  • Life-cycle emissions assessments and technical guidance for greenhouse gas reduction

  • Planning for green decommissioning and end-of-life asset management

  • Offering the Sustainability (SUSTAIN) Notation to showcase environmental achievements for offshore projects

The ABS Advantage

Global Reach and Local Expertise: With a global presence, ABS provides localized support tailored to the needs of each project. Our teams are present at major construction and conversion shipyards, enabling timely assistance wherever your FLNG facility is being developed.

Unmatched Technical Knowledge: ABS has classed over 200 LNG carriers and more than 100 floating production facilities, including FPSOs.

Collaborative Approach with Regulators: ABS’ long-standing relationships with global regulatory bodies, including the USCG and BCER, make us a trusted partner in navigating complex compliance requirements.

Innovative Technology and Sustainability Leadership: From cutting-edge inspection technologies to life-cycle sustainability planning, ABS integrates advanced solutions to help clients achieve operational, safety and environmental objectives. 

Partner with ABS for Your FLNG Projects

As the global energy market evolves, FLNG production facilities are becoming critical to meeting future energy demands. By partnering with ABS, you gain access to unparalleled expertise, innovative solutions and a commitment to supporting operational excellence and sustainability.

Contact ABS today to learn how we can support your FLNG project and contribute to its success.

 

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