The Universal Transfer System: Collaborating for the Future of LNG

Next month marks an important milestone for Trelleborg - on March 7, it will have been six months since we celebrated the successful launch of the first Universal Transfer System - an innovative LNG transfer solution we developed in partnership with Connect LNG and Gas Natural Fenosa.

A lot has happened in the oil and gas industry during this time. As predicted, LNG has continued to snowball at a blinding rate, with new projects being reported across the globe on an almost weekly basis. However, infrastructure continues to be a barrier to the spread of LNG. As it moves into new territories where traditional infrastructure is no longer possible or cost effective, innovative solutions like the UTS are becoming increasingly vital.

As we approach the six-month anniversary of the UTS, we look back on the most important findings from the initial sea launch, and reflect on reasons behind its success.

 Creativity meets flexibility

 The UTS shows that LNG infrastructure doesn’t need to be bound by the same thinking that underpins transfer solutions for fossil-based energy. By thinking laterally, we managed to develop a system that can be deployed anywhere in the world and connected to any ship – a vital solutions, as current infrastructure for the most post simply isn’t flexible enough for a growing and diversifying LNG-carrying fleet. The UTS has proven itself to be a solution to this problem.

 The short installation time also adds to the success of the UTS. The initial test project took only six months to set up, which is up to six times faster than a jetty, and up to 80% cheaper compared to traditional, fixed infrastructure.

 1 + 1 = 3

 Synergy was key to the success of the UTS. This project involved a collaborative approach from multiple Trelleborg verticals.

 In addition to Cryoline technology offered by Trelleborg oil and marine, which allows LNG to be transferred safely and efficiently in harsh environments, the platform needed solutions to increase the safety of its other components, and to accommodate the tugs that would push it into position.

 Trelleborg’s marine systems operation supplied its industry-leading Universal Safety Link (USL) 8810 to monitor the LNG transfer process. A triple fibre optic, five pin SIGTTO and pneumatic system was supplied to ensure all-round flexibility for the platform for any visiting vessel.

The rear of the UTS features profiled sections that allow tug vessels to push the UTS from shore into location for transfer. This places high demands on shear strength of fenders, requiring the use of Trelleborg’s Super Cone fenders. SeaGuard fenders were used at the front of the UTS to absorb berthing impact against the larger LNG vessel prior to attachment to the vessel.

 Safety is paramount

 One of the most important findings of the test was the value of the integrated monitoring system in the Cryoline hose. This allowed temperature to be accurately measured in real time during cool down and flushing operations – while the hose is cooled to the necessary temperature to receive LNG, and while excess liquefied gas is flushed from the hose at the end of a transfer. The ability to monitor temperature throughout the hose is essential for safety, and also proved invaluable in minimising boil-off, by making sure gas was only transferred when the hose was sufficiently cooled – helping address a key issue in the LNG supply chain.

 Moving forward

 The UTS is the first full scale market ready floating solution for LNG transfer between ship and shore, and will continue to offer an innovative solution to some of the industry’s biggest infrastructure challenges.

 For a more detailed and technical exploration of the UTS, please visit our website.