Jettyless LNG – the link that is no longer missing

Cleaner energy should be cheap and accessible. We make this possible by providing cost-efficient solutions to clients worldwide.

The jettyless transfer of LNG is sparking new thinking as to how import and export of LNG may be possible without the cost and inflexibility of conventional fixed-jetty infrastructures.

A floating transfer system requires only a small footprint and can be installed at existing and congested ports to increase LNG export volume, attracting new customers for bunkering services.

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Go Jettyless with UTS® - a smarter, floating offshore transfer solution

Connect LNG provides unique floating technology, enabled by our Universal Transfer System UTS ®. Our UTS is a cost effective and flexible alternative to CAPEX- and resource-intensive jetty constructions, simplifying project permitting applications and responding to strict environmental regulations. The UTS can be applied to a wide range of vessels and terminals, for loading and unloading, transferring LNG, Ethylene, CO2, Hydrogen or any other fluid.

UTS® Technical Highlights

The UTS enables transfer of LNG between a vessel and storage facilities and is fully qualified by DNV GL.

Distance from shore
50 - 800 m

Environment
Sheltered to harsh conditions

Flowrate
100 - 2,500 m3/h

Transfer lines
Floating cryogenic hoses

LNGC size
1,000 - 266,000 m3

Design life
25 years

We have leveraged on the Standard UTS qualified design to develop solutions for large scale LNG import and export between ship & shore.

Distance from shore
50 - 800 m

Environment
Sheltered to harsh conditions

Flowrate
2,500 - 12,000 m3/h

Transfer lines
Floating cryogenic hoses

LNGC size
Up to 260,000 m3

Design life
25 years

Bunkering offshore or in ports is possible with Connect LNG's floating solutions.

Distance from shore
Up to 300 m

Environment
Sheltered conditions

Flowrate
500 - 1,000 m3/h

Transfer lines
Rigid pipe

Vessel size
All

Design life
25 years

Reduced Cost and Lead Time

Cut capital spending significantly by avoiding large river, harbour or coastal engineering and construction works.
Advanced technology and simple construction with low operational and maintenance costs.
Lighten the permit process for your LNG project and cut project schedules in half.
Combined with a floating terminal, power supplies can ramp up quickly and effectively.
Ideal floating solution for areas which are environmentally sensitive.

Universal Attachment System

Robust, reliable and highly efficient connection.
Connection / disconnection in a matter of seconds.
Reduces relative motions between the UTS platform and the vessel.
Motions, forces and holding capacity continuously monitored and interlinked to ESD system.
Attachment system is based on technology with more than two decades and 500.000 successful mooring operations to date.

Connects to a wide range of vessels

Vacuum pads engage with a flat portion of freeboard directly below the manifold position, meaning connection can be with virtually any vessel.
Large tidal variations can pose a problem for a jetty. The UTS platform is floating and follows the carrier with the tide.
The process system on the UTS can be sized according to flow rate requirements, thereby accommodating small- and large scale carriers, including bunkering capabilities.

Floating Flexible Hoses

Floating flexible cryogenic hoses are fully qualified by Bureau Veritas, and meets all the requirements under EN1474-2.
Triple redundant integrated leak monitoring system.
Continuous temperature measurement along the whole length of the line.
Superior insulation with ensures minimum boil-off gas generation.
Flexible cryogenic hoses can be provided from 6 to 20 inches in diameter.

Unmanned during operation - controlled remotely

All systems are remotely monitored and operated from the onshore control room.
Full overview of the process flow parameters and status of all main systems onboard.
Complete CCTV coverage of the platform deck areas provides the operator onshore with eyes on the platform.
Manning is only required during connection to and release from the LNG carrier, whereby crew is supplied from the tugboat.

Mooring System

Standard Multi Buoy Mooring (MBM) berths for mooring of the LNG carrier.
The UTS platform is moored with a few mooring buoys in idle condition.
The number of mooring buoys can be between 2 and 8, depending on carrier size and metocean conditions at the project site.
The mooring buoys are equipped with quick release hooks for safe and efficient cast off.
Highly suited to areas of environmental sensitivity due to limited impact to the seabed.

Roughly 15-25hrs for loading and discharge

Process system will be sized according to the flow rate requirements of the client.
The time frame for loading and discharge is roughly 15-25 hours depending on the scale of the application.

Fully redundant ballast system

The ballast system enables the unit to follow the LNG carrier vertically during loading and unloading.
Remotely operated by the operator onshore.
100% redundancy ensures that any single failure event does not delay the operation.

Operational in significant wave height of 2 meters

The platform is optimised for minimum wave response, with extensive numerical and experimental modelling and research.
The vacuum attachment system further reduces motions when attached to the LNG carrier.

Power and signals via umbilical

A robust flexible floating umbilical provides power, signals and communication to the UTS platform.
The umbilical runs parallel to the floating hoses, and can be reeled.
The UTS platform is equipped with a UPS, which will keep critical systems live in case of loss of power from shore.

Minimum boil-off gas generation

Due to the superior insulation properties of the floating hoses, the boil off generation throughout the system is minimal.
Rigid piping and valves on the platform are also insulated to further reduce heat inleak.

Focus on Safety

The platform is equipped with an industry standard ship-shore-link system, which interlinks the ESD systems of the LNG carrier, the UTS platform, and the terminal.
Fire, smoke and gas detectors are located throughout the unit, which will instantly trigger ESD and shut down process flow.

Talk to us about your project

Learn more about Jettyless LNG

Traditional Jetty vs Jettyless

We take a look at traditional LNG import and export infrastructures and explain why jettyless can enable energy projects across the globe.

LNG Terminals

With several different types of terminal configurations, we give you the knowledge to secure the most competitive solution.

Floating Transfer Solutions

Energy sustainability and conservation of marine biodiversity are key to a healthier future. Learn more about what floating transfer solutions can accomplish.

A selection of our customers and industry partners

In 2017 Connect LNG and Naturgy Energy Group S.A. (then Gas Natural Fenosa) made history with the world's first transfer of LNG with the Universal Transfer System, UTS ®.

Naturgy's goal is to enable the rapid expansion of the LNG value chain to support emerging markets and developing countries where population growth has meant a vast demand increase in power.

We are dedicated to fulfilling your project goals and de-risking your marine infrastructure

Connect LNG was born from first-hand experience with the challenges and inefficiencies of traditional LNG offloading methods from ship to shore. Our core offerings remove the need for fixed and permanent infrastructure, such as quays, jetties, trestle structures and loading platforms.
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Dredging, which is expensive and damaging to coastal areas, can be eliminated with Connect LNG’s floating jettyless transfer solution.

About Us Case Study: Naturgy