27-10-2015

Bechtel and Chart partner for development of floating LNG facilities

Bechtel and Chart Energy & Chemicals, Inc have signed a long-term agreement to design and build floating LNG (FLNG) process facilities using Chart’s IPSMR® liquefaction technology. Bechtel will have the exclusive right to use Chart’s proprietary liquefaction technology for FLNG facilities, and will only purchase Chart’s proprietary equipment, including brazed aluminum heat exchangers and cold boxes, for facilities designed with IPSMR® technology.

“Chart’s liquefaction technology offers performance optimization for mid-scale LNG plants that complements Bechtel’s FLNG offering for that scale of facility,” said Joe Gebara, general manager of Bechtel’s Offshore business line. “Our collaboration with Chart will enhance current floating LNG engineering and construction models in the industry by offering efficiencies on single mixed refrigerant plants to our customers.”

“Bechtel are world renowned for their EPC and project management expertise and their proud record for the successful execution of LNG projects. We are therefore naturally delighted with this further development in our business relationship and excited by the potential for floating LNG utilizing Charts IPSMR® process in the delivery of natural gas as a clean-burning, safe and economic fuel alternative” commented Mike Durkin, president of Chart’s Energy & Chemicals business unit.

IPSMR® (Integrated Pre-cooled Single Mixed Refrigerant) offers options to integrate additional cryogenic separation stages for nitrogen removal and natural gas liquids recovery. Chart LNG liquefaction processes incorporate brazed aluminum heat exchangers for optimal thermal performance and operating efficiency and are at the heart of the company’s standard plant solutions for small-scale and mid-scale LNG.

The IPSMR® liquefaction technology agreement will be managed by Bechtel Hydrocarbon Technology Solutions, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Bechtel, which provides technology licensing and process consulting services to the oil and gas industry. A leader in the refining, chemical, and industrial market, Bechtel is building about one-third of liquefaction capacity under construction today.