The partnership will reportedly ensure that the most up to date technology will be brought to the Triton project, an offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) project being developed by Gaz de France (GDF), about 30km off the Marche region shore, in Italy.
The storage capacity of the floating, storage and regasification (FSRU) LNG vessel will be about 170,000 cubic meters and the base load regasification capacity will be five billion cubic meters and could double through the addition of a second FSRU vessel.
The FSRU vessel will be leased from GDF to an equally owned joint venture created by GDF and Hoegh LNG, which will operate the vessel. The technologies applied in the FSRU vessel and in the ship-to-ship LNG transfer will reportedly be selected in order to gather the safest and most cost-efficient solution with a minimal effect on the environment.
GDF has stated that such a concept is particularly well adapted to meet Italy’s growing gas needs and the stringent environmental requirements of the Italian region. The studies related to the permitting and development of Triton LNG project are already well advanced, with the final investment decision expected by the end of 2009 and first LNG deliveries slated before the end of 2012.
Jean-Marie Dauger, GDF’s COO, said: The Triton project serves a double purpose allowing Gaz de France to be a player in LNG development and to reinforce its presence in Italy, where we seek a long-term presence, contributing to the energy supply of the country. Our partnership with Hoegh LNG will allow us to combine the best skills in order to bring together the innovative and environment friendly solutions that are necessary for the development of offshore regasification.
