Crown LNG has selected IKM Engineering & Environmental Consultants to support the engineering and design of its floating liquefied natural gas import terminal on the Firth of Forth, Scotland.
Described as a “critical milestone” in achieving a final investment decision for the Grangemouth project, IKM’s involvement will also include project management and execution planning.
The Grangemouth project wants to address the UK’s increasing drive for energy security post-Brexit and in the context of the Ukraine War’s impact on energy markets. Currently, the UK relies on three facilities for LNG imports, which increased 74% from 2021 to 2022.
Once operational, the plant will have a capacity of five million metric tonnes per year. It has also been designed to supply a natural gas-fired power plant in Grangemouth.
Swapan Kataria, CEO of Crown LNG, said he is pleased to announce IKM as a partner.
He continued, “With an existing presence in Grangemouth and extensive experience across water and energy infrastructure, they have the unique capability to support the development and completion of the project safely, effectively, and efficiently.”
A site study for location of the import facility and LNG vessel access has also been completed, and Crown will progress immediately with the consenting process with the Scottish and UK governments.
Existing power grid and gas grid access is available within ten miles of the proposed site location. Crown will utilise floating storage and regasification unit technology for the project.
Ian Maclachlan, founder of IKM, concluded, “IKM is pleased to be supporting Crown LNG’s major investment in the Scottish economy. The project will provide a critical step in the transition to a low-carbon economy and provide energy, infrastructure, and jobs both in Fife and Grangemouth.”
In August 2023, Crown LNG announced that it was to become a US publicly listed company through a $685m deal with publicly traded special purpose acquisition company Catcha.
At the time, Catcha agreed to combine with Crown through a transaction that is expected to provide $50m of capital to fund two LNG projects that are currently under development: Kakinada and Grangemouth. (July 25, 2024)
UNITED KINGDOM - LNG - SUPPLIES - IMPORTS - EXPORTS