No FSRU but Gopalpur work begins
There's no sign of an FSRU anytime soon.
But at least Petronet-LNG has awarded a contract to carry out marine modelling studies as part of the DFR and Front End Engineering Design (FEED) for its proposed Gopalpur LNG project in Odisha. On March 26 (2024), Petronet-LNG awarded a Rs1.39cr ($166,400) contract to Ahmedabad-based BMT Consultants after inviting offers on December 28 (2023) with a January 18 (2024) bid deadline.
Netherlands-based Royal Haskoning DHV and BMT bid. "Both consultants qualified after technical evaluation," says a source.
"But BMT bid the lowest." Included in the scope of work is a study based on available meteorological data on the winds, rainfall and general climate at Gopalpur.
Petronet-LNG also wants complete historical data on wind and wave measurements from meteorological agencies. BMT must carry out a modelling study to assess the wave dynamics at the jetty location in addition to studies of cyclones, tsunamis, and wave tranquillity.
Also needed is an estimate of the highest water and flood levels to determine the necessary deck elevations of offshore facilities. Odisha's most intense cyclone hit its shores on October 29 (1999), killing nearly 10,000 people.
But other devastating cyclones include Amphan in 2020, Bulbul in 2019, and Titli in 2018. Petronet-LNG was initially planning a 4m t/y FSRU in Phase-I, with a provision to convert the FSRU project into a 5m t/y land-based LNG project in Phase-II with a provision to double capacity to 10m t/y.
Some believe Petronet-LNG is reconsidering whether to hire an FSRU at all. Whatever it decides, it will still likely need a jetty, an unloading platform and four berthing dolphins, with two on either side of the unloading platform; six mooring dolphins with three mooring dolphins on either side of the unloading platform and an approach trestle to support piping and electrical cable trays.