Yamal LNG infrastructure
Resource Base
The Yamal LNG project is based on the feedstock resources of the South-Tambeyskoye field located in the north-east of the Yamal Peninsula on the coast of the Ob Bay. The production potential of the field amounts to approximately 27 bcm of natural gas per annum with the duration of plateau of at least 20 years.
The field development plan stipulates the drilling of 208 directional production wells with horizontal completion and length of horizontal sections exceeding 500 meters from 19 well pads.
Special “ARCTICA” drilling rigs were built for the project. They were designed to operate in the extreme climate conditions of the Yamal Peninsula, which ensures high drilling performance regardless of season and weather conditions.
To increase efficiency of field development, innovative and environmentally friendly equipment and materials are being used. For example, drilling is performed with the usage of hydrocarbon-based drilling fluids that enable high-quality well completion.
LNG Plant
A plant with a capacity of 17.4 mmt per annum of LNG is located right at the South-Tambeyskoye field on the coast of the Ob Bay. In order to both optimize construction costs and streamline the project schedule, a modularized approach is used. The LNG plant will consist of four trains. The first train launched in December 2017.
The hydrocarbon mix from production wells is supplied via gas gathering network to the integrated treatment and liquefaction complex.
Initial separation, including removal of mechanical impurities, water, methanol and condensate is been proceeded at the inlet facilities which also include methanol regeneration and condensate stabilization units. Separated gas is supplied to the liquefaction process trains where it passes through several process stages: acid gas and methanol removal, dehydration and mercury removal, as well as LPG extraction. Pre-cooling takes place in the propane cooling loop, while liquefaction — in the mixed refrigerant loop. At the end of the process, liquefied natural gas store in the cryogenic tanks.
Along with the LNG trains, the integrated LNG complex also includes LPG fractionation facility, stable gas condensate and refrigerant storage facilities, a power plant with a 376 MW capacity, utilities and flare systems.
LNG Transportation
Special ARC7 (Russian arctic classification standards) ice class LNG carriers have been built for the Yamal LNG Project. The carriers enable year-round navigation without icebreaker support along westbound navigation routes and, during the Arctic summer — along the Northern Sea Route.
The carriers design is the result of cooperative work of Russian and international classification societies, the leading research and design institutes, shipyards and ship-owners. Vessel design is based on the double action concept: the bow has been adjusted for navigation in open water and thin ice, while the stern has been optimized to enable navigation in severe ice conditions.
Main specifications of the ARC7 tanker:
- Cargo capacity — approximately 170,000 cubic meters of LNG
- Capacity of propulsion unit — 45 MW
- Speed in open water — 19.5 knots
- Speed in 1.5 m thick ice — 5.5 knots
- Primary fuel — LNG, with a dual fuel diesel-electric propulsion system equipped with three “Azipod” units
Seaport
Federal property includes ice protection barriers, port harbor and approach channels, vessel traffic management system, navigational support aids and the marine service buildings. Yamal LNG facilities include the LNG and gas condensate offloading jetties, rolling cargo berths, material offloading facilities, port fleet berthing facilities, storage facilities, administrative and support zone, and the utilities systems.
Construction is completed in two phases — the preparatory phase and the main phase. The preparatory phase includes construction of material offloading facilities for process modules and general cargo. The main phase includes the construction of the LNG and gas condensate jetties. The port is fully operational.
International Airport
International airport is an integral part of the Yamal LNG project. The airport facilities include an ICAO category I airfield with a runway of 2,704 m х 46 m, hangars for aviation machinery, and a passenger terminal, including international flights area. The airport is operated by Sabetta International Airport, which is a 100% subsidiary of Yamal LNG. The first technical flight with landing of an aircraft took place on 4 December 2014. Regular flights to Sabetta from Noviy Urengoy, Moscow and Samara are currently in operation.
Sabetta Village
Sabetta village, located on the eastern coast of the Yamal Peninsula is the base for the Yamal LNG Project. All necessary infrastructure has been built at Sabetta for the comfortable residence of construction workers. The auxiliary facilities of the living complex are being built: a fuel and lubricant storage depot, boiler facilities, a power supply complex, dining halls, medical centers, laundry facilities, saunas, gymnasium, administrative buildings, hotel, fire station, sewage and water treatment facilities, heated garage, and storage facilities for food supplies.