The duo say they plan use barge-mounted natural gas liquefaction developed by the Belgian shipowner along with China's Wison Group and US contractor Black&Veatch.
“The aim would be to bring mobile, self-contained liquefaction units to LNG import terminals in the US using existing pipeline, tank and jetty infrastructure to enable LNG export,” Exmar said.
Under the deal Wison will provide turn-key EPCIC services for the construction and commissioning of barge-mounted liquefaction plants.
These plants will make use of Black&Veatch’s PRICO single mixed refrigerant liquefaction technology. No commercial terms of the arrangements were disclosed.
“Building on the experience of Exmar-Wison-Black&Veatch gained in Colombia, we can deliver a proven, reliable, cost-efficient and fast solution catered to individual project requirements,” said Exmar chief executive Nicolas Saverys.
“Barge-mounted liquefaction is a cost-effective and efficient method of producing LNG”, said EDF Trading chief executive John Rittenhouse.
“It is also potentially the quickest route to market and scalable to fit a wide range of applications. We are very pleased to be working with experienced partners like Exmar and Wison.”
The glut of natural gas that has caused the lowest US prices in a decade is prompting companies to seek permission to ship fuel overseas.
More than 20 proposed LNG export terminals in the US are seeking permits allowing processing of about 31bn cubic feet a day, according to the US Department of Energy.
However, the US is still undecided over whether exporting a cheap supply of natural gas from shale drilling is in its economic interests.
