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Shell’s Prelude FLNG plant nears ramp-up

The start of exports from Shell’s Prelude FLNG vessel is in sight, but the jury is out on whether it will set a blueprint for other projects or be considered an expensive experiment The start of exports from Shell’s Prelude FLNG vessel is in sight, but the jury is out on whether it will set a blueprint for other projects or be considered an expensive experiment.
By Peter Stewart 20 June 2018 0 31391
Prelude is one of the most ambitious feats of engineering ever undertaken. (Shell Australia)

No pressure. Shell’s Prelude FLNG facility has had gas put on board for the first time. Now the transfer has been completed, Shell says the risk profile of the facility – the world’s largest offshore floating structure – has “changed fundamentally”.

The LNG world will watch Prelude’s ramp-up to full production closely. Unlike the operational Petronas FLNG plant, Shell’s facility is big enough to have an impact on the market. It has the capacity to produce 3.6 mtpa of LNG, 1.3 mtpa of condensate and 400,000...