Oil & Gas

Focus on LNG

The LNG business has developed in a global scale over the past decades due to market conditions such as increased gas prices and decreased construction costs.

By converting natural gas into LNG it is possible to transport gas over long distances without the need for pipelines as well as securing supply to an increasingly demanding energy market.

In 2008 pipeline gas accounted for 588 bcm or 72% of the world gas trade while LNG accounted for 227 bcm or 28% (Source: BP Statistical Review of World Energy, June 2009).

Connecting remote gas fields to markets worldwide

Liquefied natural gas or LNG is conditioned natural gas that has been cooled to its liquid state at approximately -162 degrees Celcius. In its liquid state, LNG takes up about 1/600th the volume of natural gas in its gaseous state. The significant change of volume from natural gas to LNG makes it possible to transport gas from remote and isolated gas fields to markets worldwide.

Ramboll's extensive experience also includes LNG projects in Finland and Estonia

LNG is shipped in purpose made LNG carriers from gas rich countries such as Algeria, Indonesia, Norway, Trinidad & Tobago and Qatar. In some cases the gas is exported to far destinations and cargos entering the European market come from destinations as far as Australia.

Upon arrival, the LNG is pumped to storage tanks for temporary storage, re-gasified and distributed to the gas transmission systems.

Facts on LNG

LNG typically contains more than 90% methane (CH4). It also contains small amounts of ethane, propane, butane and some heavier alkanes. It is predominantly methane that is converted temporarily to liquid form.
Depending on temperature, pressure and composition, the density of LNG is typically in the range 0.41 to 0.5 kg/l compared to water with a density of approximately 1.0 kg/l.

The detailed specification of LNG varies for the different locations from where the LNG is shipped from. The gas converted to LNG is typically richer on heavy components compared to traditional European pipeline gas, why the heating value of gas from LNG typically is higher compared to traditional European pipeline gas.

Ramboll’s LNG expertise also includes economic market studies, technical concepts for import of LNG and layout studies

Multidisciplinary LNG competences

Ramboll has been involved in feasibility studies, concept evaluation, concept selection studies, FEED studies, detailed design and operational support on LNG projects throughout the world. With our multidisciplinary approach, we are able to provide independent engineering consultancy services within all phases of a LNG project.

Our main LNG competences include:

Market analysis and business case studies
Site selection studies
Separation and gas pre-treatment facilities
LNG liquefaction facilities
LNG transport facilities
LNG storage and re-gasification facilities
LNG harbour facilities
Strategic LNG storage facilities
Marine LNG facilities
Risk and safety evaluations
Environmental evaluations

Ramboll’s LNG competences overlap with our general capabilities within civil engineering, project management and the authority approval process. Therefore, Ramboll is a strong partner to team up with and engage already in the early phases of LNG projects.