Critical Parameters for LNG Marine Terminal Site Selection
Authors: Sonne Tere R. , Bomba John G. 
Published: October 2008

This paper will examine critical parameters which can be used to evaluate the viability of potential LNG marine terminal sites. Historical perspectives on site selection will also be provided. Parameters which will be discussed include:

LNG Import/Export Facility Physical Criteria - Population density, plant area, maximum/minimum distance from loading/unloading to storage, type of storage, site elevation relative to 100-year flood elevation, approach channel width and depth, any constraints on ship passage, such as bridges, overhead power lines, etc.; maneuvering area and depth, required underkeel clearance, environmental limitations (wind, wave, current), need for breakwater, allowable downtime, and availability of tugs.

LNG Vessel Characteristics - Type of vessels (membrane, spherical, or barge) to be used, vessel capacity, length overall, beam, depth, and loaded draft air draft.

LNG Pipeline - Pipeline capacity, proximity to regasification site, commercial requirements, gas quality, and location relative to end-users.

Identification of potential sites for development into export/import terminals is an essential important first step in the predevelopment phases of any LNG project. The establishment and setting of critical parameters which will be used in the screening process helps to focus a project on the objectives of the principal stakeholders: the developer, the supplier, and end-users.

Proper site selection and design can determine whether a site is acceptable for further consideration and study. Further study may reveal additional site deficiencies, but high level screening focuses work on those facilities which have the most viability.

Introduction

The transportation of liquified natural gas (LNG) has a long and outstanding safety record with tens of thousands of cargos being delivered over the past 49 years. To accomplish this task, millions of tanker miles have been logged on some of the largest ships in the world. As with any industry, there are hazards and risks which are associated with day to day operations. Good site selection can eliminate or minimize many of the hazards and risks associated with shipping, storage, and sendout from terminals. It is in the best interest of the industry that its safety record remains clear.

History.

Liquified natural gas dates back to the 19th century when it was first obtained by British chemist and physicist Michael Faraday who experimented with the liquefaction of different types of gases, including natural gas. In 1870 and 1871, Carl von Linde, a professor at the Technical University of Munich, published his ideas on mechanical thermodynamics which laid the theoretical groundwork for an " improved ice and refrigeration machine??. In the summer of 1871, von Linde was approached by two beer brewers (one German and one Austrian) to build a test refrigeration machine for use in one of their breweries. The first machine was built for the Spaten Brewery in Munich. A few refinements later and another was built for use at the Dreher Brewery; at the time, the largest brewery in Austria, located in the hot, humid city of Trieste, now a part of Italy. Von Linde applied for a patent in 1873, and after making several modifications to the design received a patent in 1876. Von Linde's practical compressor refrigerator laid the ground work for the refrigeration process which would be used to liquefy natural gas.