The problem of natural gas transportation from an offshore-field to the coast can be solved in two ways, namely by the use of an offshore natural gas liquefaction platform plus LNG tanker or by subsea pipelines. The transport of offshore natural gas with the aid of submarine pipelines represents the current state-of-the-art. But there are economic limitations, which are governed by the reserves of the offshore field. The so-called non-commercial fields often cannot be exploited with a direct pipeline connection to the shore. This is the point where a new technology, the liquefaction of natural gas offshore, comes into consideration. When discussing the specific features of offshore liquefaction, the question concerning the economic aspects arises, especially in comparison with submarine pipelines. An attempt is made to answer the question by means of a direct comparison of capital investment and transport cost. (ERA citation 03:023094)
Offshore-Liquefaction of Natural Gas or Subsea Pipeline Transport
1976
15 pages
Report
No indication
English