16-05-2018

Revamp gives a Laby®-GI compressor of Burckhardt Compression a new life

The very first Laby®-GI Compressor of Burckhardt Compression was used as an MSO compressor. The compressor is installed on the FSRU vessel Golar Freeze, which will now receive a new lease of life. Golar Management in Norway has decided to re-market the vessel with a different function that requires a major revamp of the MSO Compressor, for which Burckhardt Compression has been awarded the contract.

After nearly 10 years of reliable operation in a harsh marine environment with low maintenance, the robustness of the Laby®-GI Compressor has paid off. This was the first compressor of its kind installed on an FSRU vessel. Golar Management Oslo, the ship-owner, has decided to provide the vessel with new employment. The new charterer in Jamaica will use the compressor for a different purpose, delivering gas to the Jamaica's power utility JPS. This requires an increase in discharge pressure from 45 to 65 barg that, in turn, requires an additional compression stage, along with its extra auxiliaries, piping and other modifications.

Gabriele Pipitone, Vessel Manager of Golar, said: "The technical solution offered and the tight delivery time for this project completely met our expectations. Burckhardt Compression was proactive, available at the right time, with the right plan, the right offer and the right team. We are pleased to have found the perfect solution for revamping the MSO compressor."

A floating storage regasification unit (FSRU) is a vital component that is required while transiting and transferring liquefied natural gas (LNG) through the oceanic channels. An FSRU can thus be regarded as a special type of ship used for LNG transfer. The FSRU has the capability to turn LNG into its gaseous form at relatively high pressure and transferring ashore for gas pipelines and power production.