Carrier library
FLNGLarge conventionalEducational data
FLNG — floating liquefaction unit
Production, liquefaction, storage, and offloading on one hull.
Class overview
FLNG units take gas straight from an offshore field, treat and liquefy it on board, store the LNG, and offload to visiting carriers. They open stranded or remote fields where a pipeline to shore would never be economic, and they avoid onshore land acquisition entirely.
Classification
- Operational role
- FLNG
- Containment system
- GTT Mark III Membrane · SPB / Self-Supporting Prismatic Type B
- Tank geometry
- Motion-tolerant membrane or independent prismatic tanks
- Capacity class
- Large conventional — indicative: approximately 180,000–210,000 m³
- Propulsion options
- Non-propelled or towed
- BOG management
- BOG as fuel · Reliquefaction
Key systems
Pre-treatmentAcid gas removal, dehydration, and mercury removal before liquefaction
LiquefactionCompact mixed-refrigerant trains designed for vessel motion
OffloadingSide-by-side or tandem transfer to LNG carriers
Operational environment
Offshore production locations, often far from onshore liquefaction infrastructure.
Safety and operational considerations
- Liquefaction topsides bring hydrocarbon processing hazards onto a floating hull.
- Offloading to carriers is a weather-limited operation with defined environmental criteria.
- Layout separates process, storage and accommodation areas to manage risk.
Strengths
- Monetises remote and stranded gas without onshore infrastructure
- Lower environmental footprint on land and no pipeline landfall
- Topsides can be relocated at end of field life
Considerations
- Very high capital cost and complex topside integration
- Offloading depends on weather windows at the field
Technical information
- Status
- Educational overview — editorial review required
- Seeded educational summary awaiting editorial and technical review.
- Last reviewed
- 15 September 2026
- Source status
- Sources pending editorial review.
Technical parameters are indicative and may vary by vessel design, generation, shipyard, operator and intended service.