PFLNG

PFLNG, short for Petronas Floating LNG, is a program developed by Malaysia’s Petronas to create floating liquefied natural gas production facilities. The concept enables offshore gas resources to be produced, liquefied, and stored on a single vessel, reducing the need for fixed offshore platforms and long onshore pipelines. The LNG is then offloaded to traditional LNG carriers for transport to customers.

The program has produced at least two operational units: PFLNG Satu and PFLNG Dua. Both are vessel-based, moored offshore, and equipped with topside processing facilities that treat gas, liquefy it, and store the LNG in insulated tanks aboard the ship. LNG can be transferred directly to LNG carriers or offloaded as required.

Development and deployment have involved collaboration between Petronas and shipbuilding partners, including Samsung Heavy Industries. PFLNG Satu marked the program as the first purpose-built floating LNG production facility, demonstrating the viability of extracting and liquefying gas at sea. PFLNG Dua was developed to tackle different field characteristics and production profiles, expanding the range of potential sites for FLNG.

Impact and scope: PFLNG aims to monetize stranded or marginal offshore gas resources and to shorten project lead times while reducing capital expenditure by avoiding extensive seabed infrastructure. As part of the broader FLNG trend, the PFLNG concept has influenced subsequent designs and discussions of floating LNG solutions.

Current status: By the early 2020s, PFLNG Satu and PFLNG Dua were in operation, with ongoing assessments of additional units and enhancements within the PFLNG program.