DESIGN SELECTION OF THE CAMEROON LNG PROJECT

Max Nussbaum, CLNG Infrastructure Development Director

GDF Suez LNG
Martin Folo, Vice Director Gas Division,
SNH
Keywords : Natural gas, LNG, Liquefaction, base load plant, offshore pipeline, feasibility study, Front End
Engineering and Design (FEED), Cameroon
ABSTRACT
Cameroon LNG is a midstream project, encompassing an offshore gathering pipeline and an LNG production
plant. The development is based on an export capacity up to 3.5 Mtpa of LNG based on gas reserves of
about 3 Tcf.
In 2009, a feasibility study was launched to evaluate different development configurations for the offshore
and onshore developments, which included liquefaction on floating facilities. Different locations for the
onshore facilities were also assessed. The preferred development scheme, as a result of the screening of 25
cases, was to establish a 270 km national gas shallow-water transportation network linking Cameroon's
offshore gas production facilities with onshore liquefaction facilities located near Kribi city on the southern
coastline of Cameroon.
Based on this preferred development scheme, pre-FEED studies were launched in 2010 to select the design
case for both onshore facilities and offshore pipeline. A coordinated approach, based on a reference case,
was carried out to evaluate and select the most appropriate technologies and designs taking into account the
following criteria:
Robust operation,
Low CAPEX and
Value creation.
The selected Design Case was further optimised and engineered generating PFDs and plant layouts. Value
engineering reviews, based on PFDs, improved the design and identified additional studies to be carried out
during FEED phase.
Finally a class 3 cost estimate was developed, as defined by AACE international recommended practice, to
assess the Project economics.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1

Cameroon LNG Project development background

Cameroon Gas reserves

Project export feasibility study

Preliminary engineering studies (pre-Front End Engineering and Design)

4.1
Site selection
4.2
PreFEED execution plan and objectives
4.3
Phase 1: Screening criteria
4.4
Phase 1: Offshore Pipeline system design selection
4.5
Phase 1: LNG Plant/Marine Facilities design selection
4.6
Phase 2: Pipeline system design definition
4.7
Phase 2: LNG Plant design definition
4.8
Cost estimates
Conclusions

7
7
7
8
9
10
13
15
17
17

1. CAMEROON LNG PROJECT DEVELOPMENT BACKGROUND

As a long established oil producer, Cameroon is currently seeking to develop its gas potential through
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) production.
The estimated discovered gas resources amount to approximately 4 Tcf which are spread over a number of
gas fields operated by independent upstream companies. The exploration potential would be 5 times higher
according to National Oil Company (NOC), but until today there has not been a gas monetizing scheme
enabling commercial production thus no gas exploration campaign launched in the country.
In 2006, the Cameroonian State decided to monetize its gas reserves by allocating a significant portion of
the existing gas discoveries to a single LNG export project with GDF SUEZ SA as the selected strategic
partner to jointly work with its NOC, Socit Nationale des Hydrocarbures, SNH, as the Project Partners.
In December 2010, the State signed a Framework Agreement for the Cameroon LNG Project (CLNG) with
GDF SUEZ, confirming favourable fiscal, financial and commercial terms for CLNG and reaffirming the
States strong support to gas development. SNH also developed a favourable fiscal package for gas
production tied to supplying the LNG Project.
In the second quarter of 2010, the State granted a 470 hectares site to the Project. In 2011, the Project
Partners positively concluded a Pre-Front End Engineering and Design (pre-FEED) study with FosterWheeler Energy Ltd. (UK) and a bankability study with Socit Gnrale SA. The Project Partners also
signed preliminary commercial agreements with the relevant upstream operators in the country.
In April 2012, H.E. Mr Paul BIYA, President of the Republic of Cameroon, enacted a new Gas Code
following resolution by the National Assembly, to promote the development of the gas sector and to enable
the negotiation of conventions with State, such as the one required by Cameroon LNG Project.
2. CAMEROON GAS RESERVES
The gas fields discovered in Cameroon are spread along the Cameroon shoreline (Figure 1). The estimated
discovered resources proven and probable are about 4 Tcf, of which 3 Tcf are dedicated to the LNG export
project. The discovered gas fields are operated by a number of Exploration and Production companies which
signed pre commercial agreements with CLNG to deliver gas. No operator can on its own supply enough gas
for the LNG project, and gas resources have to be aggregated.

Figure 1: Discovered Gas Fields in Cameroon (in Red Colour)

3. PROJECT EXPORT FEASIBILITY STUDY
In 2009, a feasibility study was launched to define the Project development framework.
The study considered:
Four different development options for natural gas liquefaction (LNG) facilities (refer to Figure 3 to
6) including floating LNG and onshore liquefaction plant
Onshore facilities located at Limbe and/or Kribi areas
Three LNG production capacities of 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 Mtpa
Feed gas produced from one or more different Cameroon offshore gas field zones. In the
feasibility study, 3 Areas were considered (refer to Figure 2).

Area 1

Area 2

Area 3

Figure 2: 3 Groups (by Colour) of Feed Gas Production Fields Considered for the Feasibility
In all the 25 cases, it was assumed that the gas dehydration facility, within the offshore gas production
facilities, would remove free-water from the produced gas to acceptable levels necessary to protect the
transmission lines from corrosion.
The study included heat and material balances up to the battery limits of the Project for each case with
simplified Process flow Diagrams (PFDs) and plot plans. Figure 3 to Figure 6 illustrate the main options
considered.
Finally Capital (CAPEX) and Operating expenditures (OPEX) for each option were defined for economic
comparisons.

Figure 3: Option A: All Offshore, LPG Extraction and Liquefaction on Floating Facilities
4

Figure 4: Option B: All Onshore LPG Extraction and Liquefaction Onshore (Same Site)

Figure 5: Option C: Stand-Alone Onshore LPG Extraction, Liquefaction on Floating Facilities

Figure 6: Option D: Stand-Alone Onshore LPG Extraction and Liquefaction Onshore

The 25 cases were reviewed by CLNG combining the different options, production rates, LPG/LNG
production locations (offshore and/or onshore) and gas field Areas. Each case was evaluated taking
into account the following criteria:
5

Life cycle cost - Calculation based on the estimated 2 P resources per area
CAPEX
HSE
Local benefit / Content
Project Risks
The different configurations were ranked considering the above criteria and were referenced against the best
case (with a 100% scoring), refer to Figure 7.
Gas field Areas

Option
Facilities Location
LNG production capacity
Option A : Floating LNG
Offshore
1,5 Mtpa
2,5 Mtpa
Option B : Onshore plant
Kribi
1,5 Mtpa
2,5 Mtpa
3,5 Mtpa
Limbe
1,5 Mtpa
2,5 Mtpa
3,5 Mtpa
Option C : Onshore stand-alone LPG
& floating LNG
Kribi & offshore
1,5 Mtpa
2,5 Mtpa
Limbe & offshore
1,5 Mtpa
2,5 Mtpa
Option D : Onshore stand-alone LPG
& Onshore LNG plant
Limbe & Kribi
2,5 Mtpa
3,5 Mtpa

44%

38%

36%
35%

94%
100%

71%

57%
59%

81%
85%

63%

50%
52%

36%

31%

29%
29%

35%

30%

27%
27%

61%
68%

49%

Figure 7: Cases Ranking, the Highest Score, the Most Valuable Solution
The top three scores per gas field Area were represented using the following colour code:
Green - Highest score,
Yellow - 2nd highest score
Orange 3rd highest score.
The highest score was obtained, considering the offshore gas fields in Area 1, with the option of an onshore
Liquefaction plant solution of 3.5 Mtpa capacity located in Kribi. Unsurprisingly, the higher the gas reserves
committed to the Project, the more favourable the configuration. With fixed reserves, the larger the plant the
better the economics thanks to increased yearly revenue which outweight the marginal increase in cost.
For all other gas field Areas, an onshore Liquefaction plant in Kribi was deemed the most favourable option.
An onshore plant located in Limbe had a lower score due to the high risks of a close proximity to the
Volcanic Mount Cameroon.
An independent LPG production plant was deemed less valuable than a combined LPG and LNG onshore
plant.
Finally, the floating options (combined LNG and LPG or with onshore independent LPG facilities) had the
lowest scoring for all field areas. These options were less valuable considering that:
6

There will always be a need for offshore pipeline

No possibility for future extension, hence reducing future exploration incentives
Reduced local content
Less references
As a conclusion of the feasibility study, the preferred scheme for monetising gas in Cameroon is to develop
an onshore LNG plant located in Kribi. Plant capacity will depend on the gas reserves dedicated to LNG
export Project.
After consultation with the stakeholders, CLNG decided to launch preliminary studies for defining the design
of the Project in form of a pre-Front End Engineering and Design (pre-FEED).
4. PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING STUDIES (PRE-FRONT END ENGINEERING AND DESIGN)
4.1. Site Selection
Different sites for the LNG plant were assessed between Grand Batanga location, just south of Kribi, and
Rocher du Loup. On 7 May 2010, the Cameroonian State, in consultation with the Project Partners, allocated
an appropriate site located in the future industrial-port area surrounding the future Kribi deep sea port
presently under construction in Mboro, refer to Figure 8.

Kribi

Industrial-port area
Deep sea port project
RTA project
Rocher du Loup
CAMIRON project

LNG plant dedicated site

Figure 8: Kribi Master Plan Initial Phase

(Courtesy of the Industrial Port Development Committee)
4.2. PreFEED Execution Plan and Objectives
In May 2010, CLNG awarded Foster Wheeler Energy Ltd. (UK) a contract to carry out the pre-FEED for both
the LNG plant and pipeline system. The marine facilities were subcontracted to HR Wallingford.
The main objectives of the pre-FEED were to:
Optimise the design and facilities layout in order to increase the overall Project value
Highlight show stoppers, if any
Establish preliminary design of the offshore pipeline gathering system and the onshore
liquefaction facilities
7

Determine the overall Project development schedule

Assess the Project economics
Prepare the FEED scope of work and design basis
The objectives were achieved in two phases. The first phase, Concept Selection, was to set the Design Case
of the Project. The second phase, Concept Definition, was to develop the preliminary design of the different
facilities of this Design Case for developing the FEED scope of work and basis of design.
Shortly after kick-off of the preFEED, a two day brainstorming session, attended by international experts,
SNH and GDF SUEZ, was carried out to identify alternatives which should be screened and evaluated during
this first phase.
At the end of the Concept Selection phase, a peer assist was organised to validate the Design Case.
The Concept Selection defined:
The Pipeline system:

Routing (including landfall)

Flow regime (single phase)

Materials of construction (considering CO2)

Sizing (flow rates, pressures, compression, etc.)

Flow assurance

Pigging facilities (slug catcher, inhibitor system, etc.)

Upstream production facilities impact/requirements

Slug catcher requirements

The LNG Plant

Gas Pre-Treatment

Liquefaction process configuration

Liquid handling

Refrigerant compressor drivers

Condensate stabilization

Utilities

Storage

Marine facilities

4.3. Phase 1: Screening Criteria

During the Concept Selection phase, in selecting the best Design Case, it was decided to arbitrarily set a
reference case to be compared against the design alternatives. The design alternatives were weighted using
the following criteria :
Production Availability
CAPEX/OPEX
Economics (processing fee and upstream NPV)
Operability- Maintainability
Production and operation Flexibility
Technology robustness and experience
Environmental impact, based on CO2 equivalent
Local content
8

The intent of the screening study was that the Design Case will:
Have robust operation
Minimise CAPEX
Create value
4.4. Phase 1: Offshore Pipeline System Design Selection
Different alternatives were assessed for :
The Pipeline routing/landfall options
Liquids Management
Hydrate control
Corrosion control (internal pipeline)
Twelve pipeline design alternatives were identified and studied. They are presented in Figure 9.

Low flow case - 1A

No compression
Wet gas line (Carbon Steel)

Offshore
compression

High flow case - 2A

Low flow case - 1B
High flow case - 2B

Onshore
compression

High flow case - 2C

Wet gas line

(Corrosion Resistant alloy)

No compression

High flow case - 2D

"Water dry" gas line

No compression

High flow case - 2E

90 barg case

High flow case - 2F

136 barg Case

High flow case - 2G

Spur line

High flow case - 2

Telescope option

High flow case - 2I

Single phase gas line

Rio Del Rey fields to Isongo

Pipeline
Twin pipelines

Isongo/Yoyo and Rio Del

Rey/sanaga Kribi fields

High flow case - 2J

Figure 9: Pipeline Design Alternatives Identified During Phase 1

The comparison of the different alternatives for 3.5 Mtpa LNG production capacity are shown on Figure 10
with the reference case, scored at 100, and the highest score represents the most desirable option.

160%
140%
Weighted score

120%
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
2A

2B

2C

2D

2E

2F

2G

2H

2I

2J

Design alternatives
Figure 10: Pipeline Design Alternatives Assessed During PreFEED
Case 2H was selected at the end of the Concept Selection phase as the best compromise with satisfactory
flow assurance management, especially for the line from the North gas basin (Rio del Rey RDR), in the
increased operational flexibility (downturn) and allowing a 2 phase solution (gas with hydrocarbon liquid).
Nevertheless, this configuration illustrated a slightly higher overall CAPEX and increased upstream facilities
costs. Cases 2A to 2E were not taken into consideration due to hydrate and corrosion issues. The main
advantages of the selected case were:
Slugs can be controlled with pigging or a high gas velocity
Velocity can be kept high with 24 trunkline and 18 spur line from RDR to the trunkline
Slug Catcher volume is limited
Corrosion can be controlled as the gas is dehydrated.
But
Possibility of Limited capacity increase
Requirement of higher upstream compression outlet pressure
Requirement of water dehydration unit at upstream gas delivery tie-ins
The design of the pipeline system will be reassessed during FEED when all the upstream design definitions
from the gas fields will be finalized, which will set the pipeline configuration. There is a possibility that the
pre-FEED configuration could be changed.
4.5. Phase 1: LNG Plant/Marine Facilities Design Selection
Figure 11 summarises the main alternatives studied.
The design selection for the following systems resulted from specific studies:
Construction facilities (e.g. materials offloading berth)
Fire water (fresh water versus sea water)
Breakwater for product jetty
Permanent community
During the preFEED, only proven solutions were considered for the following systems:
Acid Gas Removal Unit method/solvent
Mercury removal adsorbent type and location
10

Liquefaction process, C3-MR but final liquefaction process will be selected during FEED phase
Heating medium
Marine facilities
Cooling media (3 Options)
Air coolers
Warm/cold seawater
LPG extraction (6 Options)
Conventional /high recovery scrub column
Integrated turbo expanders
Upstream NGL extraction unit
Train configuration (>20 Options)
Main process drivers: industrial or aeroderivative gas turbines ,
electrical motors
4 Train configurations Single/multi strings
Heavy/Light Industrial & aeroderivative gas turbines
Electrical motors fixed /variable speed
Storages Condensate, LPG/LNG (5 Options)
LNG Storage capacity
Type (atmospheric, pressurised, single /double/full containment or
equivalent)

Figure 11: Main Design Alternatives Assessed During PreFEED

The concept options indicated in bold and red in Figure 11 highlight the selected options used for the Design
Case and briefly explained below.
Cooling media:
Air cooling system selected. The alternative seawater cooling solution was discarded because its
significantly increases CAPEX and creates marginal economic benefit. In addition, the seawater
system has an impact on environmental and marine life. Maintenance of the seawater system
presents crucial issues to the operator due to fouling and corrosion of the facilities.
LPG Extraction:
High Recovery Scrub Column with MR condenser configuration selected for LPG extraction. The
alternative solutions did not meet LNG requirements (the Wobbe index), fuel gas specifications,
commercial butane local market requirements thus higher CAPEX.
Train configuration selection:

Resulting from the initial drivers screening, 6 concept configurations were assessed, setting
the plants process scheme, Figure 12.

11

Reference case (1)

3.5 Mtpa LNG train, single MR & C3 compressor/driver strings,

industrial GT drivers, air cooled, on site power generation

Low case (2)

2.5 Mtpa LNG train, single MR & C3 compressor/driver strings,

industrial GT drivers, air cooled, on site power generation
This case allows the evaluation of the economy of scale

Aero derivative drivers (3)

Electric motor drivers (4)

3.5 Mtpa LNG train, 2 x 50% MR & C3 compressor/driver strings,

aero-derivative GT drivers, air cooled, on site power generation

3.5 Mtpa LNG train, single MR & C3 compressor/driver strings,

electric motor drivers, air cooled, on site power generation
3.5 Mtpa LNG train, single MR & C3 compressor/driver strings,
industrial GT drivers, air cooled, on site power generation, no LPG
extraction facilities
This case evaluates the savings associated with a minimum scope

Lean feed gas (5)

Stand alone NGL recovery
unit (6)

3.5 Mtpa LNG train, single MR & C3 compressor/driver strings,

industrial GT drivers, air cooled, on site power generation
Stand alone NGL extraction unit upstream liquefaction unit

Figure 12: Concept Configurations

Each configuration was assessed and ranked using quantitative (CAPEX, OPEX,
Availability and environmental impact based on CO2 equivalent emissions) and qualitative
criteria (Operability/maintainability, operation flexibility/capability of accommodating future
additional options, technology industrial references). The results of the ranking are
presented in Figure 13 with the highest score representing the most favourable option.

Wieghted score

100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
Reference Low feed
Aero
Electrical
gas
derivative motors

Lean gas

NGL

Configuration Case
Figure 13: Configuration Ranking

Based on the ranking, the two most appealing configurations were the Reference and Lean
gas (neither condensate, nor LPG extraction) cases. Both represented the lowest annual
LNG production CAPEX/ton, higher operability and extensive technological references.
Between the 2 cases, the lean gas case was deemed less favourable due to need for
pretreatment of the feed gas either in an independent plant (overall economics is lower as
indicated during the feasibility study) or at the various offshore gas production facilities
(technically and economically too challenging).

12

Storages:
Assessment of the different tank technologies concluded in selecting full containment technology for
LNG and LPG refrigerated tanks due to safety and site preparation costs. Larger site are required for
other tankage technologies due to the greatly extended safety distances and more elaborate fire
fighting facilities. During FEED phase, membrane technology having equivalent safety level should
be considered. The condensate atmospheric single containment tank technology, with internal
floating roof, presented the lowest CAPEX for an acceptable safety level.
4.6. Phase 2: Pipeline System Design Definition
The routing design highlighted possible options taking the coordinates of the existing offshore production
facilities and the trunk/spur-lines length restrictions into consideration. Figure 14 shows the different
obstacles (e.g. existing production platforms, subsea installations, telecom cables, Cameroon Volcanic Line
or CVL) in or around the corridor. The basis for the routing selection is to minimise the challenges and limit
the water depths.

Figure 14: Constraints Mapping Along the Potential Pipeline Routes

The selected route for preFEED and corresponding water depths are presented on Figure 15.

13

CVL

Figure 15: Pipeline Route and Corresponding Water Depths

In the selected route, the pipeline preliminary design set the following:
Pipeline metering, Corrosion Inhibitor injection skid, Emergency Shutdown Valves and control
systems
Pipeline platform risers, J tubes, and subsea connection spools to the subsea pipeline
connections
Permanent pig launcher at the upstream and trunkline platforms
Subsea Isolation Valves integrated into piled subsea structures
Subsea spurlines tie-ins along the trunkline
14

Subsea shore approach to a landfall beach valve

Onshore pig reception facility
Slug catcher
Technical solutions were implemented for crossing the Cameroon Volcanic line and pipeline land fall. Figure
16 details the land fall.

Figure 16: Offshore Pipeline Land Fall Details

4.7. Phase 2: LNG Plant Design Definition
The onshore plant was designed to accommodate different feed gas qualities due to the field production
constraints and the gas fields production phasing. Feed gas composition is foreseen to fluctuate during the
life cycle of the plant. Three representative design feed gas compositions were selected considering the wide
gas quality spectrum potentially feeding the plant. Furthermore, design margins were defined to match the
uncertainties in the feed gas quality, within conventional technologies to avoid extra expenditures and
technology risks.
All other parts of the preliminary design are standard and no specific issues have been raised, except the
site characteristics within the plant layout.
The layout was developed considering the European standard EN 1473 specifying main requirements for
equipment safety distances. Safety distances have been verified through a preliminary hazard assessment.
The layout also considered:
The Site boundary
Land fall and jetty location
Topography, hydrology
Prevailing wind conditions
Preliminary site geological and geophysical data
Preliminary data were made available by the local authorities who conducted preliminary site surveys for the
deep sea port project development, making the basis of design for the pre-FEED more robust than usual.
Specific studies, in particular, site preparation cut and fill analysis, drainage study and foundation design for
the heaviest components (product tanks, large static and rotating equipment) were conducted to optimize the
layout. Figure 17 represents the pre-FEED preliminary layout. This layout would be readdressed during
FEED phase with more elaborate geophysical and geotechnical data.

15

Figure 17: Earthworks (Left Drawing) and LNG Plant Layout (Right Drawing)
At the end of the preliminary studies, a Value Engineering workshop was held for reviewing and challenging
the engineering design at the PFD level, to identify and implement actions for:
Reducing CAPEX and OPEX
Simplifying design
On review of the PFD, 20 items were identified in finalising the Pre-FEED and 21 items to be carried out in
the FEED phase.
An overall cold eyes review identified 22 additional studies to be considered during FEED for further
improvement of the Project economics. Figure 18 shows the preliminary 3D design overview.

Figure 18: 3D View of the LNG Plant Facilities

Preliminary Liquefaction plant main features are summarised below, they could be adjusted during next
phase:
1 LNG train up to 3.5 Mtpa
One onshore tank of 190 000 m3 (full containment or equivalent)
Two LPG tanks of 44 000 m3 (full containment or equivalent)
One Condensate tank 60 000 m3 (single containment with internal floating roof)
Material offloading facilities for construction phase
Product export jetty of 1650 m

16

4.8. Cost Estimates

The class 3 cost estimate was established in accordance with the Association for the Advancement of Cost
Engineering, AACE recommendation 18R-97. Pipeline and Plant CAPEX were calculated based on the
equipment list extracted from each systems PFD and plant layout. The bulk estimate was calculated per
type of system. Engineering Procurement Construction Commissioning (EPCC) contractor fees and
contingencies were calculated and adjusted taking into account the site characteristics, country risk and
market conditions.
Owner costs were established in a detailed manned based, in particular, on its organisation and
maintenance costs. The contingencies were assessed to cover risks which were identified during specific
workshops with the preFEED contractor and Project Partners. Finally a third party reviewed the cost
estimate. At the end of the process, the cost estimate accuracy was estimated between -15% to +30%.
This cost estimate was used to fine-tuning the Project economics. Based on these results, pre commercial
agreements were signed with gas producers which represent an important milestone for the Project
development.
5. CONCLUSIONS
Cameroon LNG Project has achieved significant progress since the Project was launched.
The pre-FEED studies and initial Bankability study have demonstrated that a LNG export Project is
economically viable in Cameroon.
The Project benefits of full Cameroonian State support as it is one of the largest projects that will contribute
to the countrys ambitious development.
On site, early work activities have started. A meteorological station and three data buoys were installed to
gather meteo data. Geophysical and geotechnical survey campaigns are soon to be launched on site. All
collected data will be utilised to create a more robust basis of design thus minimising development risks.
Currently, the Cameroon LNG Project has completed its preliminary ESIA covering both the pipeline and
onshore facilities. The first public information was delivered in 2012, while simultaneously, a comprehensive
social acceptance programme was launched fully involving the local community.
The Project Partners have deliberately put a strong focus on proven technical choices, low CAPEX options,
environmental concerns and local integration, which are key to the success of Cameroon LNG. Today we
believe the Project has gained the right momentum for a successful development.

17