MAN Energy Solutions, Woodside Energy partner on Factory LNG solution

Germany-based MAN Energy Solutions has joined forces with Australia-based Woodside Energy to commercialize Factory LNG, an innovative solution for small-to-mid scale LNG production.

The Factory LNG technology combines the intellectual property and LNG experience of Woodside Energy with the global manufacturing and expertise in projects execution of MAN Energy Solutions.

According to MAN Energy Solutions, the solution enables the development of a nominal 0.05 Mtpa unit having a size equivalent to a 40-foot ISO shipping container. The LNG unit can be transported through conventional heavy-lift shipping and trucking logistics.

Besides, the Factory LNG unit also features the HOFIM high-speed, oil-free, integrated motor-compressor technology of MAN Energy Solutions, which is used in subsea compression-station applications and others.

Jason Crusan — Woodside Energy Technology Vice President said: “Woodside sees an important role for natural gas in a lower-carbon future. We are committed to diversifying markets for LNG, including as a lower-emissions fuel for activities such as trucking and shipping.

“The Factory LNG system also brings potential for green fuel production by coupling it with synthetic methane units or bio-gas production.”

MAN Energy Solutions, Woodside Energy partner on Factory LNG solution. Photo courtesy of MAN Energy Solutions.

MAN Energy Solutions said that Factory LNG provides low-to-no touch maintenance for 10 years and comes with flexible layout options so that it is adaptable easily to site constraints.

The partners reckon the newly developed infrastructure can potentially unlock liquefaction capabilities at different locations around the world.

MAN Energy Solutions said that the system is scalable to allow customers to increase the number of Factory LNG units based on the growth of market in order to supply LNG at pace with demand.

Wayne Jones — Chief Sales Officer and Member of the Executive Board of MAN Energy Solutions said: “I’m very excited about our new alliance with Australia’s leading natural gas producer Woodside Energy. Liquefied natural gas represents an essential bridging technology towards a carbon-free future.

“With our new solution, LNG can be broadly applied, opening up significant potential for customers worldwide. It can be used to add capacity to existing production, or to create an LNG hub for marine, land transport or other industry needs, unhindered by traditional location-constraints.”