The FLNG market is poised for increased investment and activity from 2014 to 2020, with Douglas-Westwood (DW) forecasting total expenditure of $64.4 billion (bn) in its new market report. Two-thirds of this spend is attributed to liquefaction infrastructure, with the remainder from import and regasification facilities.
“The previous seven-year period saw minimal investment in floating liquefaction infrastructure, but now with the introduction of floating LNG vessels global FLNG Capex is expected to increase significantly over the next seven years. Year-on-year growth over this period is forecast to average 64% per annum and DW expect the increase to be more pronounced after the successful start-up and operation of the pioneer FLNG vessels, such as Shell’s Prelude FLNG and Petronas’ PFLNG 1,” said report author, Amanda Tay.
DW anticipate that more floating regasification units are to be sanctioned, particularly in Asia and Latin America. In North America, however, the discovery of large supplies of shale gas has resulted in the shut-down of many of its operational terminals and the cancellation of upcoming import facilities. This development should see the reversal of North America’s traditional status as a net gas importer to that of an exporter.
“When compared to its onshore alternative, FLNG offers higher security, a cheaper alternative, shorter lead time and the ability to monetise stranded gas fields. While there are inherent risks, FLNG is undoubtedly a prospective market that in the long-run is poised to drive many future gas developments,” said report editorMurray Dormer.
