The Challenge
The challenge for New Fortress Energy (NFE) was to find a cost-effective and efficient method for LNG production and transfer, meeting the growing global demand while ensuring quick deployment and consumer accessibility to natural gas. Traditional LNG production facilities often require significant infrastructure like jetties, which can be costly, impactful to the local environment and time-consuming to construct. NFE aimed to overcome these challenges by seeking a flexible approach to LNG production and transfer, offering scalability, compatibility with various floating storage units (FSUs) and floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs), and faster deployment times.
The Solution
ECOnnect´s delivery of two jettyless IQuay units to NFE's Fast LNG project signifies a big achievement in the global LNG supply chain. This milestone not only marks an important moment in enhancing efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability in gas transfer and LNG production, but also symbolizes the project's progression as it receives its first gas.
The jettyless gas balcony design from ECOnnect is the critical link between offshore production units for New Fortress Energy’s Fast LNG projects, and the flexibility of the design has since been applied to fast-tracking FSRU projects to bolster Europe’s Energy security. The solution consists of a minimally intrusive gas balcony connected to offshore production and storage units. The proprietary structure consisting of pre-fabricated foundations were welded during dry dock, allowing for quick installation and integration without requiring hot work.
December 2023 represented a historic milestone for NFE as the Fast LNG unit in Altamira successfully achieved First Gas. This significant accomplishment not only bolsters Mexico's energy security but also makes a substantial contribution to the global energy landscape. NFE's attainment of full commercial operation at the 1.4 million tons per annum (MTPA) Fast LNG facility underscores the project's success and highlights its potential to revolutionize the LNG sector, demonstrating the feasibility of floating and low-impact LNG infrastructure.
Since IQuay´s debut in 2017 with the world's first jettyless, floating LNG transfer, the IQuay design has evolved to cater to various applications, including LNG and green ammonia production, as well as downstream carbon-free fuel and CCS initiatives. Its adaptability and versatility enable universal vessel connection with minimal disruption during installation, setting a new standard for LNG transfer technology.
Conclusion
ECOnnect’s collaboration with NFE on the Fast LNG projects exhibits an innovative approach to offshore production and storage. The use of jettyless IQuay units to enable liquefaction and storage demonstrates a commitment to advancing LNG technology, ensuring a more sustainable and efficient energy future.
About New Fortress Energy
New Fortress Energy (NFE), established in 2014 by Wes Edens, operates as a prominent liquefied natural gas (LNG) company with a core mission. Their fundamental goal is to utilize capital, expertise, and visionary strategies to tackle the global challenge of energy accessibility. NFE recognizes the transformative potential of accessible, cleaner energy, believing it to be a fundamental human right rather than a privilege. They are committed to fostering positive and meaningful impacts on both communities and the environment. The company understands that universal access to energy can address pressing global issues such as education, poverty reduction, and gender equality. With a dedication to environmental responsibility, NFE endeavours to realize their mission while ensuring sustainability for future generations.
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