GasEntec Co Ltd and Samsung Heavy Industries Co Ltd (SHI) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) under which GasEntec will pursue a licence for SHI’s SENSE liquefaction technology for small-scale LNG applications ranging from 50,000 tonnes per annum to 1 million tonnes per annum. The agreement is aimed at commercialising SENSE technology for small-scale LNG projects. GasEntec and SHI are pursuing the first commercial licensing of SENSE to a company outside SHI.
Small-scale LNG projects are being considered by gas producers and industrial users seeking to monetise stranded gas resources and supply LNG without the capital requirements associated with large liquefaction facilities. Potential applications include local LNG production for ports and marine corridors, LNG distribution from piped gas, stranded gas monetisation and fuel supply for remote power generation, industrial operations and bunkering.
GasEntec brings more than a decade of experience in downstream LNG infrastructure and has integrated modular LNG systems across floating and onshore applications. Its capabilities include regasification, gas handling and logistics equipment used in LNG supply chains. The collaboration will extend GasEntec’s activities into LNG liquefaction, complementing its existing downstream infrastructure business.
Brian Yoon, Chief Executive Officer of GasEntec, said, “As global LNG capacity expands, liquefaction technology is entering a new cycle of innovation and diversification. Our partnership with SHI brings their proven liquefaction technology to the small-scale segment, backed by our expertise integrating modular LNG systems worldwide, for the first time. Customers will be able to access an integrated platform that enables flexible solutions spanning liquefaction through to downstream delivery.”
SHI developed its Samsung Enhanced Nitrogen Split Expansion (SENSE) technology for natural gas liquefaction. The system uses a gas expansion process based on nitrogen and methane as single-component refrigerants. The process operates entirely in a gaseous state and is designed to improve process stability and operational convenience.
Youngkyu Ahn, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of SHI, said, “Our award-winning SENSE natural gas liquefaction system is the result of nearly a decade of research and development, validated through more than 1,000 hours of demonstration testing. We are pleased to partner with GasEntec to deliver small-scale applications of our technology, based on their proven ability to deploy innovative LNG technology at scale.” Under the MOU, the companies will work on licensing SENSE for small-scale liquefaction projects. SHI will continue to offer its liquefaction technology directly for larger-volume applications, including floating LNG projects.
Founded in 2013 in South Korea, GasEntec provides modular LNG infrastructure and equipment for global LNG logistics and regasification. Its business includes LNG technology and an asset platform offering integrated LNG solutions through sale, lease or charter models.
Samsung Heavy Industries, founded in 1974 and headquartered in South Korea, is one of the country’s major shipbuilders and maritime engineering companies. The company undertakes shipbuilding and offshore engineering, procurement and construction projects for customers across global markets.
