By integrating MannTek’s solutions, we are helping to deliver natural gas to the heart of Mexico. On the narrow peninsula of Baja California Sur, the La Paz Pichilingue LNG terminal is transforming the regional energy landscape. To overcome logistical challenges, our coupling technology ensures a seamless ship-to-ship transfer process. Now, La Paz has access to clean natural gas – and cleaner air.
– With this state-of-the-art installation, 30 ISO containers can be filled simultaneously in just 82 minutes, with a capacity of up to three operations per day, says Lars-Ove Gustavsson, Sales Director at MannTek.

From sea to shore – a virtual pipeline

The entire LNG project is based on an efficient, multi-stage transshipment chain – a virtual pipeline – where the liquefied natural gas (LNG) is transferred between three different vessel types before reaching land.

• The LNG Carrier (LNG-C): The ocean-going vessel arrives carrying approx. 170.000 cubic meters of liquefied natural gas. To discharge the cargo quickly and safely, it is connected to the stationary Floating Storage Unit (FSU) via eight 8-inch hose lines during the STS-transfer operation.
• Storage in the FSU: The LNG is transferred to the FSU, which serve as floating energy reservoirs at sea. This allows the large carrier to depart promptly while the gas is stored securely on-site.
• Transshipment to the Support Vessel (OSV): From the FSU, the gas is transferred via two 8-inch hose lines to a smaller, more agile Offshore Support Vessel (OSV). The OSV carries 30 ISO containers on her deck whichh are filled simultaneously through loading skids using 3-inch and 2-inch hose lines – an extremely efficient process where all 30 ISO containers are completely filled in just 82 minutes.
• The smaller support vessel then enters the shallower port of Pichilingue. There, the containers are offloaded directly to the power plant or onto truck chassis for further transport to smaller local power plants and local customers.

The world’s first wet disconnection

To handle the LNG, which is maintained at a temperature of –162°C, specialised equipment from MannTek is utilised. This ensures that the transfer between the three vessels is performed spill-free and with the highest level of safety.

Dry Cryogenic Couplings (DCC): MannTek’s DCCs are used at the connection points between the FSU and the OSV, facilitating the world’s first wet disconnection for this type of operation. This allows the couplings to be separated safely while the lines remain with liquid Inside, minimising spillage and drastically reducing turnaround times.

Powered Emergency Release Couplings (PERC): As an additional safety measure and In line with International regulations and best Industry practice, the lines are equipped with PERCs. If a vessel should unexpectedly move outside its safety zone – due to unforeseen circumstances, the Vessel Separation Device (VSD) will detect the movement and Instantly trigger the release of the couplings but of course still In a controlled manner. The valves then close instantaneously on both sides to prevent any release of product and protect the equipment.

Over 1 200 operations

The system’s efficiency allows for three operations per day, and since its start, the La Paz terminal has successfully completed over 1 200 operations. By introducing liquefied natural gas (LNG) into the energy mix, emissions are reduced, costs are lowered, and energy efficiency is increased.

– At MannTek, we are proud to play a role in La Paz environmental improvements in replacing traditional diesel powered power plants and Introducing LNG as a better alternative fuel. The old sulphur smell that used to be constantly present in the beautiful touristic city of La Paz Is nowadays just an old memory, says Lars-Ove Gustavsson.

Want to know more? Watch the movie from New Fortress Energy.