Gas Gong Korea-type Membrane LNG Tank Technology Certified by US ExxonMobil

Application of Technology to Jeju LNG Terminal Storage Tanks in 2019

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Korea Gas Corporation announced on the 27th that it held the 'Certification Ceremony for the Design Technology of Fully Contained Aboveground Membrane Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Storage Tanks' at the ExxonMobil Korea headquarters in Jung-gu, Seoul.

Due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the event was held via video conference between ExxonMobil headquarters in Houston, USA, and Seoul. About 10 officials attended, including Kim Hwanyong, Director of the Gas Research Institute at Korea Gas Corporation, Robert Foglethong, Vice President of ExxonMobil URC, and Jung Sungwook, President of ExxonMobil Korea.

Korea Gas Corporation, which independently developed the underground membrane storage tank design technology in 2007, developed the fully contained aboveground membrane storage tank design technology in 2009 through continuous research.

Last year, it was applied to two 45,000㎥ class storage tanks at the world's first Jeju LNG base and is currently in commercial operation.

Korea Gas Corporation held the "Certification Ceremony for the Design Technology of Fully Protected Aboveground Membrane LNG Storage Tank" on the 27th at the ExxonMobil Korea building in Jung-gu, Seoul. On the right is Kim Hwanyong, Director of the Gas Research Institute at Korea Gas Corporation, and on the left is Jeong Seongwook, President of ExxonMobil Korea.
(Photo by Korea Gas Corporation)

The corporation has been conducting verification of the fully contained aboveground membrane storage tank design technology through joint research with ExxonMobil.

Since 2017, ExxonMobil has operated a task force (TF) composed of LNG storage tank experts at the URC in Houston, USA.

Following various procedures such as reviewing design documents and visiting the Jeju LNG base storage tank construction site, ExxonMobil awarded the TQMS certificate, its new technology certification system, to Korea Gas Corporation this time.

Director Kim said, "The TQMS certification from ExxonMobil, a global major energy company, is a great achievement confirming that Korea Gas Corporation is leading the global onshore LNG storage tank sector," adding, "We will continue to do our best to strengthen LNG technology and localization through continuous research and development (R&D) to enhance global market competitiveness."

Vice President Foglethong stated, "This certification, which underwent ExxonMobil's thorough evaluation, means that Korea Gas Corporation's technology is considered qualified for direct use in our business," and added, "We will actively pursue the dual challenge of responding to environmental impacts and climate change while meeting global energy demand based on continuous technology development and a strong partnership with Korea Gas Corporation."

President Jung said, "The close cooperative relationship built over 40 years between the two companies has led to this successful outcome of TQMS certification," and expressed hope that "Korea Gas Corporation's LNG tank technology will be applied to ExxonMobil's global LNG projects, creating opportunities for mutual growth between the two companies."