Emerson wins main automation contractor for Shell Prelude16 July 2010

Technip Samsung Consortium has appointed Emerson Process Management as main automation contractor for the Shell Prelude project, which will be the world's first floating LNG (liquefied natural gas) development.

Emerson already has a global framework agreement with Shell (announced earlier this year), and will be responsible for providing the design and engineering for the process control and monitoring equipment at the new production facility.

Floating LNG is the next step in LNG production, unlocking gas reserves that would otherwise be stranded offshore by eliminating the need for gas pipelines. The new unit is to operate as an integrated extraction, gas processing and liquefaction plant, all directly above the gas reserves.

Shell Prelude is expected to be 480 metres long by 75 metres wide, with a production capacity of 3.5 million to 4 million tonnes of LNG per year, and the ability also to process and export liquefied petroleum gas and condensate, depending on gas composition.

When fully ballasted, the vessel will weigh around 600,000 tonnes. It is to be located in the remote Browse Basin off the coast of Western Australia, but will be able to relocate to another gas field once production at one gas field is complete.

Brian Tinham

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