Connect LNG’s Norwegian UTS success
The operation, in collaboration with Spanish utility company, Naturgy Energy Group and Norwegian energy company, Equinor, connected La Santa Maria to a 15,600m³ LNG carrier and took place offshore Langesund in Norway, an area renowned for harsh weather.
During operation, the Universal Transfer System (UTS) demonstrated its ability to cope well with swell. “Remarkably, the unit performed better than expected with very gentle movements and interaction with the ship hull. Hook-up time, towing and tug operation was also more efficient than expected,” said Connect LNG’s chief technology officer, David M. Knutsen.
In addition to this latest operation, La Santa Maria has been connected to a 12,600m³ LPG carrier and an offshore supply vessel as well as five tug boats and three different ports.
The operation was performed on time and according to careful planning involving local authorities and third-party surveyors.
The UTS is currently stationed in Norway and used for operations while it awaits final transportation to a greenfield project in the Americas for Naturgy.
