Keppel Offshore & Marine (Keppel O&M) has signed a Technical Assistance and License Agreement (TALA) with Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT) that will enable the companies to jointly market liquefied natural gas (LNG) solutions leveraging GTT's membrane containment systems and Keppel's shipyard expertise.
Keppel O&M's network of global yards will be able to offer GTT's LNG systems in the design, construction and maintenance of LNG carriers, LNG Bunker vessels, LNG-fuelled vessels, and floating storage and regasification units (FSRU).
Since completing its first LNG carrier repair in 1990, Keppel O&M has developed a wealth of experience in cryogenics, and developed a suite of solutions across the LNG value chain. It has delivered the world's first converted FLNG, three FSRU conversions, two newbuild LNG-fuelled vessels, and is building two LNG carriers, one LNG-fuelled vessel, and South East Asia's first LNG bunkering vessel.
Abu Bakar, Managing Director (Gas & Specialised vessels) of Keppel O&M, said, "This is a win-win partnership with GTT as it will allow us to offer more comprehensive LNG solutions to our respective customers, across our global networks of operations. With GTT's proven LNG containment technology and Keppel's track record in specialised shipbuilding as well as expertise in LNG, we will be able to provide safer, more efficient and economical solutions in sustainable power generation."
GTT systems have become the technology of choice for new LNG carrier orders and offshore applications. More than 70% of the world's LNG carrier fleet currently in service are equipped with GTT membrane technologies.
Philippe Berterottière, Chairman and CEO of GTT, said, "We are pleased to extend our partnership with Keppel to jointly offer a wider range of LNG solutions. GTT's technologies make it possible to build LNG carriers to meet the demand of supplying LNG along coasts and up rivers to island nations. By adopting our membrane technologies, Keppel O&M will be able to design optimised ships in terms of capacity and size and minimise the draught."
Keppel O&M's expertise and experience in GTT's systems have been built up since 2004 when its subsidiary, Keppel Shipyard, became an approved repair yard for ships equipped with GTT membranes, and when Keppel Singmarine signed with GTT a TALA in 2014 for newbuilds.