SGS assists in Zeebrugge LNG project

SGS has helped Belgian company Fluxys LNG meet its business targets in processing and delivering natural gas to customers.

The objective of Fluxys LNG was to extend its LNG terminal located in the Belgian port of Zeebrugge, in order to double its send-out capacity.

The LNG project began in January 2005, and the French contractor consortium, SN Technigaz-Saipem, called for SGS to provide its expertise and assist in finalising the terminal extension by December 2007.

The initial terminal included three 87,000m3 LNG storage tanks; as part of the extension, SN planned to build a fourth 140,000m3 semi-buried, full containment, 80m diameter storage tank.

A 900,000Nm/h send-out train was also planned, with all the necessary pumps, valves, pipeline compressors and pipes.

SGS ensured that all activities and construction complied with the relevant regulations and standards during each stage of the project.

As a Notified Body, SGS was called to certify the conformity of the Fluxys LNG terminal extension plan in line with the requirements of the PED directive.

Another important task for the SGS team of specialists was to certify that the electrical installations and equipment complied with ATEX, the Directive for Equipment and Protective Systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, and also with local regulations.

During the design stage, all documentation and planning was reviewed and design conformity assessments were conducted, leading to the validation of the scope of services, as well as the risk categories and the modules that were to be implemented.

In the manufacturing stages, the SGS team performed a series of conformity assessments with RD 11/03/66, the PED Directive and its amendments on pipelines in Category I, II and III.

On-site SGS material analysts carried out constant material appraisals, which played an important role in receiving good results from the fabrication and construction conformity assessments.

The methodical approach applied by the SGS team permitted rapid identification of problematic issues, so that appropriate solutions could be proposed in coordination meetings with the contractor.

The monthly advancement reports which were prepared provided reliable information about the progress of the construction, and allowed efforts to refocus on areas that recorded delays.

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