Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) has awarded Approval in Principle (AiP) to EXMAR for its Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) concept based on the conversion of an existing membrane-type LNG carrier, supporting the development of offshore gas resources through a flexible and cost-effective floating liquefaction solution.

The EXMAR design converts an existing membrane-type LNG carrier into a Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) unit intended for operation in mild environments. The converted facility is designed to enable offshore gas processing, liquefaction and LNG storage, offering a flexible and cost-effective approach to gas monetization.

By leveraging the conversion of an existing LNG carrier rather than a newbuild vessel, the concept offers a practical approach to reducing development schedules and capital investment while providing a flexible solution for offshore gas developments.

The FLNG concept is based on a membrane-type LNG carrier with an effective LNG storage capacity of approximately 170,000 m³ and a design life of 25 years. The facility is intended to unlock stranded gas resources, aiming at projects with low initial capital costs, a shorter timeline from final investment decision to production, and high efficiency requirements.

The concept has been assessed against applicable Bureau Veritas requirements for offshore production gas units based on those from offshore, liquefied gas carriers position keeping systems. The review focused at this time on the hull structure and stability, the existing LNG cargo containment system, and the FLNG mooring arrangement.

The AiP demonstrates the potential viability of adapting existing membrane LNG carrier assets into floating liquefaction facilities, providing an alternative pathway for the development of offshore gas resources while supporting efficient project execution and diversifying energy supply.

David Barrow SVP for Western Europe and Americas ureau Veritas Marine & Offshore:
"Floating liquefaction solutions already play an important role in unlocking offshore gas resources and supporting the development of energy projects in a flexible and cost-effective manner. We are pleased to grant Approval in Principle to EXMAR's FLNG conversion concept, which demonstrates how existing LNG carrier assets can be repurposed to support future offshore developments. This project highlights how collaboration across the industry can drive innovative and practical solutions that combine technical feasibility with project efficiency."

About Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore

Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore reviews the design, construction and operations of ships and offshore assets and verifies them against regulations to help build a safer, more sustainable and more digitalized industry.

We are pioneers in safety and performance – developing Rules and guidelines to support maritime progress. We bring our clients local knowledge with a global reach, to be by their side through any challenge.

We share your drive to leave the maritime world in a better place than we found it. It’s what unites us, our passion for the oceans and our desire to not just protect our seas, but to shape a better maritime world for future generations.

About EXMAR

EXMAR is a provider of floating solutions for the operation, transportation and transformation of gas, and owns a fleet of 40 LPG/ ammonia carriers and various floating LNG and offshore infrastructure solutions. EXMAR’s Infrastructure business is centred on developing, constructing, owning and operating floating infrastructure for the global energy sector, providing solutions across the full project including engineering, asset ownership, and operational services. These capabilities position EXMAR as a turn-key provider of innovative maritime infrastructure in both LNG and broader energy value chains. Through decades of experience in Floating LNG solutions, EXMAR has positioned itself as one of the world’s most innovative expert.