MCO Receives Order for World's First Floating LNG Facility

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Compressor Corporation (MCO) has received orders for three compressor trains and a power generation system to be used at the world’s first floating liquefied natural gas production, storage and offloading facility (FLNG). Shell will deploy the FLNG facility to the Prelude field located off the northwest coast of Australia.

The three compressors on order are used for the gas treatment process. The power generation system consists of three 40 megawatt (MW) steam turbine power generation units.
Shell’s facility, which is expected to be the world’s first FLNG to go on-stream, will use mechanical drive steam turbines. Compared with gas turbines, which are generally used in conventional land LNG facilities, steam turbines permit continuous long term operation as well as easier maintenance performed at extended intervals between regular inspections, thereby contributing to higher productivity. They also are able to respond flexibly to fluctuations in production volume. MCO is the world’s leading manufacturer of mechanical drive steam turbines. The company believes its compressors’ recognized advantages, combined with its track record in deliveries, led to its winning of the latest order.