Swedish engineering and consulting firm AFRY has secured a significant technical advisory role for the 1.5 GW Thai Binh LNG-to-Power project located in Hung Yen, Vietnam. The project includes an integrated floating LNG (FLNG) terminal and a gas-fired power plant, aiming to bolster LNG infrastructure in Southeast Asia.
Project Scope and Infrastructure
AFRY's scope of work encompasses the offshore LNG receiving infrastructure, subsea gas pipeline systems, a submerged yoke mooring system, marine facilities, and offshore surveys. The project involves the construction of a floating LNG receiving terminal connected to a power station through a subsea pipeline. The offshore infrastructure spans approximately 212 hectares, connecting the FLNG terminal to the power plant. According to LNG Prime, the project will use a submerged yoke mooring system to secure the floating terminal in place.
Financial and Ownership Details
The total cost of the Thai Binh LNG-to-Power project is estimated at $2.69 billion. The project is jointly owned by Tokyo Gas, which holds a 40% stake, Kyuden International with 30%, and the Vietnamese company Truong Thanh Viet Nam Group, also with a 30% share. As reported by Splash 247, the project broke ground in October 2022 and is expected to reach full commercial operation in the fourth quarter of 2029.
Technical and Environmental Considerations
The project is designed to integrate an offshore LNG terminal with an onshore power plant, providing a comprehensive solution for energy generation and supply in Vietnam. This includes the installation of a subsea pipeline to transport gas from the offshore terminal to the onshore power station. AFRY’s role will be crucial in ensuring the technical feasibility and safety of this complex system, as highlighted by Offshore Energy. The submerged yoke mooring system will play a critical role in securing the FLNG terminal in the challenging marine environment of the site.
Operational and Strategic Implications
The Thai Binh LNG-to-Power project represents a significant step in Vietnam's push towards greater energy security and diversification of its energy mix. By integrating an offshore LNG terminal with a gas-fired power plant, the project aims to leverage the flexibility and efficiency of LNG as a fuel source. This project is part of a broader trend in Southeast Asia, where nations are increasingly turning to LNG to meet growing energy demands while reducing reliance on traditional fuels.
What This Means for Operators
The involvement of AFRY in this major project underscores the growing importance of international expertise in complex LNG-to-power developments. For ship operators, this project highlights the ongoing need for advanced technical solutions and environmental compliance in offshore infrastructure projects. As the project progresses, it will provide valuable insights into the operational challenges and opportunities associated with integrating offshore and onshore energy systems. Operators should anticipate increased collaboration with international engineering firms and a focus on innovative mooring and pipeline technologies to support such projects.
