Floating LNG production coming close to reality

While it's long been recognised that floating liquefaction units could provide an economic means of developing stranded gas, progress has been hampered because of huge technical and operational challenges, such as the transfer of LNG cargoes at sea. However, it now seems likely that the first floating units will enter service from around 2012. Success of these schemes could open the way to a major new industry sector, writes Jeff Crook.