Prelude FLNG Gets Cooldown Gas: Shell

Shell has confirmed that cooldown gas was introduced last week into the Prelude floating liquefaction (FLNG) ship.

A Shell spokesperson told NGW June 12 that, as of June 8: “We can confirm that gas has been introduced to Prelude FLNG by the LNG Carrier, Gallina.  This will cool down the tanks and process equipment and pipework with gas and is an opportunity to test processes and systems before the subsea wells are opened at start-up. Our priority is to complete this work safely."

Gallina set sail June 7 or 8 from Prelude to Singapore, according to vessel tracking services, which show the carrier arrived at an offshore anchorage June 13.

Shell gave no further update on when the giant Prelude FLNG ship will start drawing gas from the offshore field’s production wells, and then begin producing LNG from such gas, and later start exports. However it did say in its 1Q results two months ago that Prelude was at the commissioning stage. 

Gallina was reported in trade journals to have berthed alongside the Prelude FLNG ship in April. A local newspaper, however, said the carrier arrived - possibly on a subsequent visit - June 6 and left June 8. Shell declined further comment on how long the carrier had been there. But its announcement may signal the completion of a discharge of cooldown gas from the tanker lasting several days or weeks.

Australian upstream industry association Appea estimates that the Prelude development will have cost US$13bn. Shell itself has refused to disclose the project’s cost. (Prelude FLNG photo courtesy of Shell)