Golar LNG acquires carrier for fourth FLNG conversion project

Golar LNG has expanded its floating liquefied natural gas infrastructure portfolio by purchasing a vessel for conversion into its fourth floating liquefaction facility. According to Navingo BV, the Bermuda-based company acquired the 2013-built LNG carrier Grace Dahlia from NYK Line. This project follows the order for the fourth FLNG unit, designated FLNG #4, which was placed on August 12, 2026. The acquisition marks a strategic move to increase the firm's presence in the midstream LNG sector.

The conversion work is scheduled to take place at the CIMC Raffles shipyard in Yantai, China. The vessel will be processed alongside the FLNG Esperanza, which is currently under construction at the same facility. The company expects the completed unit to be delivered in 2029. Management noted that this timeline positions the asset as the earliest available floating liquefaction capacity globally. By utilizing the existing MKII design, the operator aims to maintain operational consistency while enhancing performance capabilities for future clients.

The Grace Dahlia features a storage capacity of 177,427 cubic metres. This represents a 20% increase in storage volume compared to the FLNG Esperanza, which is rated for 3.5 million tonnes per annum. The company stated that the additional capacity is intended to provide prospective customers with greater flexibility during offloading operations. This design choice supports the operator's strategy of offering scalable infrastructure solutions while leveraging the efficiency of repeat design specifications. The project remains a central component of the firm's ongoing fleet development and infrastructure expansion plans.