GTT Studying Gravity Based Systems for LNG Projects

French engineering company GTT said it has been assigned by two major companies to carry out Front End Engineering Design (FEED) studies on new Gravity Based System (GBS) projects for separate linquefied natural gas (LNG) projects.

The first one, signed with an European EPC, concerns a large LNG liquefaction project comprising several concrete caissons with several liquid gas membrane tanks, while the second concerns a smaller and metallic GBS project conducted with an Asian partner for providing energy to an island.

The two types of GBS are made of caissons consisting in concrete or metallic structures and membrane containment tanks using GTT technology. They lie on the seabed and can be installed in a port or isolated area and require limited additional infrastructure.

The FEEDs' objectives are to develop GBS concept designs and to finalize economical and safe designs, including the production requirements adapted to the gravity based structures specificities, relying on GTT's experience and knowledge in LNG membrane containment system. GTT said it will be able to demonstrate the readiness of this innovative solution: combining GTT's containment system track-record with gravity-based nearshore structures.

Philippe Berterottière, Chairman and CEO of GTT, said, "We are very confident in the perspectives for the GBS solution and are looking forward to working with highly experienced partners on these FEEDs."