Beckett Rankine has worked with National Grid to develop the UK’s first LNG bunkering facility at their Grain LNG Site, allowing small-scale LNG vessel loading from 1000m³.

Over the past 18 months, Beckett Rankine have worked with Xodus to perform options studies and feasibility design for a number of possible Floating Loading Units or ‘FLU’. The flexible design is fully compatible with current facilities and services, enabling quick connection and release with either of the two operational jetty structures, ensuring the existing facilities can still also be used for both the QFlex and QMax class vessels.

Beckett Rankine used 3D Laser scans to produce Cloud Point Datasets, from which a 3D model of both berths was developed. Our engineers were then able to produce models from which a series of analyses were performed including berthing, mooring, motions studies, and structural analysis and design.

We have designed customised retractable and reversible hinged yoke structures to restrain the FLU on either Berth without the need for dry-docking or 3rd party assistance. This system minimises dynamic motions and allows the loading and unloading of LNG in even the most onerous of environmental conditions at the berths.