Surge in LNG Projects: GTT Expands Through New Orders

French specialist Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT) is making notable strides in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector, recently reporting a significant increase in new orders. The company is securing tank design contracts for both liquefied natural gas carriers (LNGCs) and a floating LNG (FLNG) unit, marking a pivotal moment in its operational scope.

Tank Design Orders from HD KSOE

One of the standout announcements comes from GTT’s collaboration with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE). The company has been tasked with designing tanks for two new LNG carriers, set to be constructed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. Each carrier will have a substantial capacity of 174,000 cubic meters (cbm). These vessels will feature GTT’s state-of-the-art Mark III Flex membrane containment system, a design renowned for its efficiency and reliability in cryogenic applications.

The expected delivery for these carriers is by the first quarter of 2029, reflecting the growing demand for LNG transportation solutions amid rising global energy needs.

The Delfin FLNG Project

Adding to the momentum, GTT has also received an order from Samsung Heavy Industries for the Delfin FLNG 1, which is associated with the Delfin LNG project. Notably, this unit is anticipated to be the first of its kind to go into service in the United States and is projected to be the world’s largest FLNG based on expected production capacity of 4.4 million tonnes of LNG per year (mtpa).

This ambitious project involves the design of eight cryogenic tanks with a total storage capacity of 180,000 cbm, also utilizing GTT’s Mark III Flex system. The operational safety and performance of the Delfin FLNG 1 are crucial, especially since it will be deployed off the coast of Louisiana, an area prone to hurricane conditions. Scheduled for delivery in mid-2030, this project underscores GTT’s capability to handle complex maritime challenges effectively.

Orders from Jiangnan Shipyard

In a further expansion of its portfolio, GTT has secured an order from Jiangnan Shipyard for the tank design of four new LNG carriers on behalf of COSCO Shipping Energy. With anticipated deliveries set between the third quarter of 2029 and the third quarter of 2030, these vessels will each boast a capacity of 175,000 cbm. Similar to the previously mentioned projects, these carriers will also incorporate the Mark III Flex containment system, reinforcing GTT’s stronghold in LNG tank design.

Innovation and Design Flexibility

Interestingly, these new contracts follow GTT’s recent achievement of gaining the seal of approval from Lloyd’s Register (LR) for NO96 elongation criteria. This milestone not only enhances the versatility of LNG vessel design options but also supports GTT’s commitment to innovation in maritime engineering.

With this series of recent developments, GTT is setting a significant precedent in the LNG industry. Their technology is not only pushing the boundaries of what is possible in ship design but also promising a sustainable and efficient future in LNG transportation and production.

Industry Perspectives

François Michel, CEO of GTT, emphasized the importance of the Delfin FLNG 1 project, stating that it exemplifies the transition of offshore LNG operations in the U.S. He highlighted the project’s unprecedented scale and its potential to respond to the global energy demand effectively. This sentiment echoes throughout the industry as companies lean more heavily into innovative technologies to meet future energy needs.

Overall, GTT’s recent achievements illustrate a pivotal moment in the LNG market, showcasing the interplay between technological advancement and the growing demand for efficient, reliable energy solutions. The ongoing developments with notable shipyards and projects signal a robust future for GTT and the global LNG landscape.