Dry-docking of LNG vessel includes service for gas compressor

As part of a long-term service agreement (LTSA) between the two companies, extensive planning and project management have ensured the time-critical project was completed on time, despite the extraordinary challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Part of Teekay’s LNG fleet, which is equipped with dual fuel propulsion systems that use boil-off gas (BOG) for fuel, transports energy supplies around the world. Each of these vessels is equipped with a Laby-GI BOG compressor that supplies fuel to the main and auxiliary engines as well as the reliquification system and the gas combustion unit. After five years in operation, the compressor on the "Creole Spirit" was due for a scheduled maintenance inspection during dry-dock in Singapore.

Dry-dock maintenance projects are planned years in advance. With hundreds of specialist technicians and engineers working for dozens of suppliers, precision coordination by all those involved is essential. The resources involved and the scale of these projects mean that everyone has to deliver their part perfectly for the on-time completion of the whole scheme.

The Burckhardt Compression team planned and coordinated the numerous groups of contractors working on the compressor skid in the confines of the compressor machinery room (CMR) to ensure optimum working safety and efficiency. As the only BOG compressor on board, it is a crucial piece of equipment and the maintenance project was essential for continued availability.

Extensive planning ensures success

Thanks to more than a year’s planning, the service ran with Swiss precision and was completed within the 13 days allotted, ensuring the complete dry-dock program was also accomplished on time and without any safety incidents.

Preparations included tailor-made packing cases for all the parts that were shipped to the Singapore Service Centre to ensure safe transportation. Burckhardt Compression’s on-site engineers were also able to quickly provide a solution to additional components of the control system that needed to be replaced.

With such a successful project, Teekay LNG appreciated the benefits of the partnership with Burckhardt Compression, which adds value to their operation. The combination of Burckhardt Compression’s centre of excellence in Singapore and a tailored maintenance plan will deliver improved life-cycle costs and operational efficiency.

In this way, the fleet of LNG vessels equipped with the Laby-GI BOG compressor will continue to deliver reliable service and contribute to reduced sulfur and CO2 levels.