March 2019

Each LNG project has its own requirements and characteristics which need to be understood in order to deliver LNG to the customer at the best price. While innovative technologies are making LNG more accessible, analyzing project risks at the outset and factoring in potential complexity will increase the likelihood of successful project implementation.

 Article written by Karthik Sathyamoorthy, President, AG&P LNG Marketing

There is a need to invest significantly in developing domestic energy infrastructure to provide power to emerging industries in the world’s fast-growing gas economies to ensure their continued economic growth. Before making these investments, it is important to decide on the right energy mix, balancing the desire for cleaner fuel sources with the need for grid stability and affordability. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) has a key role to play as it is a cleaner fossil fuel and is also versatile, with potential uses ranging from power generation to use as a transport fuel. The challenge for LNG is to make it accessible.

By making LNG readily available and integrating it into current energy ecosystems, countries such as India, Pakistan and Bangladesh could successfully achieve a shift to a low-carbon, stable energy system serving a new generation of customers. The starting point is a well-functioning LNG supply chain for importing, storing and distributing LNG, requiring not only substantial capital expenditure, but an innovative approach to serving smaller end-customers from sourcing to last-mile delivery. The new supply chains must be nimble enough to cater to more cost-focused customers that want flexibility in the quantity and lock-in periods for the LNG they buy, but robust enough to grow in line with rising demand.

A modular and scalable approach is the most pragmatic way to meet demand for smaller volumes of LNG from a wider range of off-takers. Many of the proposed LNG projects across the Asia region are relatively small (1 to 2MTPA) supporting a single power producer and AG&P sees opportunities in developing small-scale import terminals to serve these customers.

 AG&P believes flexibility and agility are key to developing the right-sized solutions to serve customers for whom a large, one-size-fits-all approach will not work. AG&P’s solutions use standardized and scalable designs, new technologies and integrate maritime and onshore LNG transport, storage, break-bulk and regasification assets, which streamlines logistics and reduces costs by eliminating bespoke engineering for each piece of infrastructure along the LNG supply chain.

The challenges and complexities involved in establishing LNG supply chain solutions are still being learned. While innovative technologies are making LNG more accessible, analyzing project risks at the outset and factoring in the potential for complexity and delay will increase the likelihood of successful project implementation. Each LNG project has its own requirements and characteristics which need to be understood in order to deliver LNG to the customer at the best price. These five steps are critical for developing commercially viable, smaller-scale LNG terminals:

1. Independent studies: at the conception stage of any LNG project, specialists are required to examine the proposed site and conditions and perform feasibility studies to ensure the optimum configuration is selected
2. Pre-FEED and FEED analysis: the viability of a project depends on the costs associated with the supporting, location-specific infrastructure. This must be independently evaluated during both the pre-FEED and FEED stages
3. Procurement considerations: developing the most cost-effective solutions requires a thorough cost-benefit analysis of building new infrastructure versus conversion of existing assets, leasing or chartering. Once the decision is made, diligent procurement is necessary to secure the right sub-contractors and suppliers, including local vendors to deliver the best value and timely execution
4. Regulations and tax: early engagement with the relevant port authorities is essential so the terminal infrastructure is fully compliant with the port code, conditions of use and regulations. This can be a lengthy process and must be factored into the project timeline.
5. Port and marine services: Most project developers enter into a port services agreement for the provision of tugs and support services with a third-party provider. These negotiations can be complex and time-consuming, and the port services provider may be unwilling to take on liability for any aspect of the project.