Singapore LNG is joining forces with Keppel Infrastructure, a unit of Keppel, to build a natural gas liquids (NGL) extraction facility at its LNG import terminal on Jurong Island.
The duo said in a joint statement they would work with another industry partner on the front-end engineering design (FEED) for the facility.
The NGL extraction facility would remove the heavier hydrocarbons such as ethane or propane (also known as NGL) from LNG, according to the partners.
Moreover, the design of the facility would adopt a sustainable approach, specifically through incorporating the use of cold energy from the SLNG terminal’s operations in the extraction process – which can lead to significant carbon abatement, they said.
“The project will allow for a higher handling flexibility of LNG through Singapore, which will in turn help to enhance Singapore’s energy security; open up more possibilities for the larger LNG eco-system, such as in the use of LNG as a marine fuel; and further advance Singapore’s ambition to be an LNG hub for the region,” the statement said.
NGL for chemical products
Additionally, the NGL extracted could be delivered to Singapore’s chemicals complexes, including those on Jurong Island, to be used as a competitive feedstock in the manufacture of various chemical-based products.
This project is a positive outcome of the Jurong Island circular economy study, led by JTC to explore utilisation of cold energy on the island, according to the partners.
It would contribute to Jurong Island’s transformation into a sustainable energy and chemicals park, as outlined in the Singapore Green Plan 2030, the statement said.
Singapore’s first and only LNG terminal currently operates with four tanks for a total storage capacity of 800,000 cubic meters.
The facility features two jetties able to accommodate the world’s largest LNG tankers.
Furthermore, the second jetty is able to receive and reload small LNG ships of up to 10,000 cbm in capacity.
The terminal also has a third jetty designed for 10,000-40,000 cbm LNG carriers but only with civil structure completed.