Solutions for the shore power supply of LNG terminals

Challenges

LNG terminals are large production facilities with limited access due to their location and hazardous production zones.  Operation has to be guaranteed around the clock. All installed systems must therefore withstand harsh weather conditions and be extremely reliable, robust, low-maintenance and ideally maintenance-free.
 
The connection of the FSU/FSRU with shore power leads to a few challenges for developing and installing cable management systems:

• Large distance between jetty and FSU/FSRU of 30m or more
• Protection of the cables against wind, in particular securing of the bend radii
• Compensation for movements due to tides, wind and waves, loading and unloading
• Implementation of emergency mechanisms

Our solution

igus has developed special energy chains for applications in rough and demanding surroundings that guide the cables safely and reliably: the e-loop and the offshore chain OSC.
 
Both products combine the advantages of a plastic energy chain with those of a polymer rope with high tensile strength. The tensile forces are absorbed by the special rope and passed through the mounting brackets into the support structure. As a result, the cables are completely free of strain. The modular design of the energy chain made of high-performance polymers ensures a defined bend radius of the cables and withstands vibrations and shocks, e.g. due to wind loads.
 
igus provides complete systems with chainflex cables for moving applications, harnessed with couplers or junction boxes, tested and with a guarantee of 36 months.

Modular e-chain system e‑loop

Offshore chain OSC

Heavy-duty harnessing