Yamal LNG commenced production

News update

A major milestone for Yamal LNG is now realized with the December announcement of the first cargo of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) ready to leave Sabetta. The nameplate capacity of the first train now in production is 5.5 million tons per annum with a further two trains expected to be in production over 2018/2019.

Eilbeck Cranes has supplied a total of eight explosion proof jib cranes each designed to cope with the extreme conditions faced on such a plant operating inside the Arctic Circle. With all cranes now fully installed, commissioned and load tested they are now operational to carry out their designated lifting tasks as required. The Australian made heavy-duty cranes underwent an exhaustive design process to ensure that not only the cranes’ structure but all components were able to operate in the extreme weather conditions.

Yamal LNG has begun the process of developing and liquefying massive natural gas resources on the Yamal and Gydan peninsulas into more than 70 million tonnes of LNG - giving Russia the opportunity to become one of the biggest global LNG exporters.

Eilbeck Cranes inside the Arctic Circle

JSC YAMAL LNG

Three years ago, Russia announced bold plans to raise liquefied natural gas-export capacity from 10m tonnes a year, all from one plant, to as much as 40m t/y by 2020. Yamal is one of the most complex liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects ever undertaken because of its location above the Arctic Circle, a region that is icebound for 7 to 9 months of the year.

Following the project launch at the end of 2013, plant operator Novatek along with project partners, CNPC, Total and Silk Road Fund, awarded the contract for the construction and commissioning of the 4 LNG storage tanks to Tuyauteries Maintenance & Services Industieriels (TSMI) acting on behalf of Entrepose Projects and Vinci Construction Grands.

Yamal Peninsula: Location of the LNG processing plant inside the Arctic Circle.

Prior to shipment the cranes are fully erected and load tested at 125% MRC at EC’s Bassendean factory ensuring the cranes are fully functional prior to beginning their journey to the Arctic Circle.

To ensure year round availability of the LNG Tank Jib Cranes, the jib arm and hoist are fully enclosed in an insulated housing which includes heaters, gas detection, exhaust fans, flashing lights all ATEX Zone 2 certified.The enclosure is designed to be constantly heated via a separate electrical circuit to maintain the internal temperature above 0 °C to prevent ice buildup on the hoist running surfaces.

The double drum hoist design offers 100% redundancy to minimise risk when carrying out the delicate LNG pump replacement exercise.

For ease of rope changes each drum has a wind on rope coupling.

Full service access inside the heated enclosure complete with work lights, gas detector and exhaust fan.

Specifications:

• Total Height of Lift 70m
• Maximum Rated Capacity 7.5t
• Maximum radius 17m
• 12.5m to underside of jib arm
• Cold Climate crane -50 design, -36 operating
• Zone 2 IIB T3 as per ATEX.
• Stainless Steel non-sparking catenary
• Bronze non-sparking wheels
• Warning Horn
• Gas detector
• Heaters
• Bronze coated non-sparking hook
• Manual release brake for emergency lowering

For safe transport from Fremantle to Sabetta the jib arm, hoist, and enclosure are shipped in one piece supported on a purpose designed shipping frame and fully enclosed for protection during the voyage. The column is lashed to a standard 40’ flat rack for ease of handling over the journey.

Two LNG cranes and Two Auxiliary cranes were dispatched in July 2016 with the remaining cranes on track for shipment to site in October 2016.