Seatrium and Golar advance plans for third FLNG conversion
The latest agreement follows previous Seatrium-Golar FLNG conversion projects including FLNG Hilli Episeyo, pictured, and FLNG Gimi (Source: Seatrium)
Seatrium has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Golar LNG covering the potential conversion of a third floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) unit, extending a partnership that has already delivered the world's only two operational FLNG units converted from LNG carriers.
Under the agreement, the Singapore-based shipyard group and Golar will undertake technical design development and project definition work with the aim of concluding an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract during the second half of 2026. Seatrium will receive an upfront payment to support activities carried out under the LOI before any EPC contract is finalised.
The proposed project follows previous FLNG conversion projects completed by Seatrium for Golar, including FLNG Hilli Episeyo, which entered service in 2017 with a production capacity of 2.4 million tonnes per annum, and FLNG Gimi, delivered in 2023 with a capacity of 2.7 million tonnes per annum.
Marlin Khiew, executive vp, Seatrium Energy (Projects), said: "Golar's continued confidence in Seatrium reflects our proven track record in delivering complex floating gas solutions. Leveraging the experience gained from FLNG Hilli Episeyo and FLNG Gimi, we aim to enhance standardisation through a series-build approach that delivers greater execution certainty, speed to market and cost effectiveness."
Golar chief technical officer Morten Skjong said the companies were seeking to expand a relationship spanning more than 20 years. He noted that the Bermuda-flagged FLNG Hilli Episeyo is returning to Seatrium for upgrades ahead of a 20-year charter in Argentina.
He said: “With the FLNG Hilli Episeyo on its way to Seatrium for vessel upgrades ahead of its 20-year charter in Argentina, we will seek to further expand our FLNG collaboration through today's announced LoI."
The announcement comes as floating LNG projects of various kinds gain ground, enabling operators to adopt flexible options for monetising gas reserves while reducing the need for extensive onshore infrastructure.
