Samsung Heavy develops new FLNG concept

SHI said in a statement on Wednesday that it had obtained approvals in principle for MLF-O (multi-purpose LNG floater-offshore) deepwater concept from DNV, LR, and ABS.

This is SHI’s second standard model, following the MLF-N (multi-purpose LNG floater-nearshore) concept revealed in 2023.

With this development, SHI is strengthening its FLNG portfolio with faster delivery and greater economic efficiency.

Designed to operate safely in challenging environments with average wave heights exceeding nine meters, the MLF-O concept features a dual-row cargo tank structure, which reduces sloshing, according to SHI.

Also, MLF-0 standardizes shapes of LNG cargoes and widths and heights of hulls surrounding them, so the capacity could be easily extended from 180,000 cbm to 220,000 cbm, SHI said.

Looking ahead, SHI aims to win multiple overseas gas field development projects with the two concepts.

SHI is currently building the third floating LNG production unit for Malaysian energy giant Petronas.

Once in operation, PFLNG Tiga will become Malaysia’s first nearshore FLNG facility.

SHI applied MLF-N’s designs to the floater with a capacity of 1.2 mtpa.

The shipbuilder and Japan’s JGC are jointly working on the project.

The two firms have already built the second FLNG, PFLNG Dua, for the Malaysian firm.