Son My LNG import terminal: site selection and feasibility study

PetroVietnam Gas (PV Gas) needed a new import terminal to meet a growing demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) in southern Vietnam. Royal HaskoningDHV helped to select the right site, secure regulatory approvals, and win public support.
son my lng import terminal site selection and feasibility study

The results

Site analysis chose Son My as the best location for new import terminal, supplying southern Vietnam’s power stations with gas
Detailed feasibility study, with risk analysis and economic modelling, satisfied regulators and won support at public hearings
There were several stages to this process. PV Gas needed support with site selection, as well as a detailed feasibility study that could demonstrate to regulators and public hearings alike that the planned terminal would be beneficial and safe.

First, our experts carried out a site selection study, developing generic site layouts and considering floating storage and regasification units (FSRU) among the potential solutions. Son My was chosen as the most suitable site, and we moved on to a full feasibility study.

Our process included a wide array of surveys, models analyses, and tests, including:

• Topographic, bathymetric, geotechnical, seismic, and unexploded ordnance (UXO) surveys
• Metocean data analysis
• HAZID study, marine risk assessment, and quantitative risk assessment (QRA) using TNO Effects and SAMSON risk models
• Basic designs for jetties, breakwaters, and landside development (working in partnership with Tractebel)
• Field and laboratory testing
• Process simulation and optimisation studies
• CAPEX and OPEX budgets and pricing scenarios, with market analysis and economic models

We based the feasibility study on an initial capacity of 3 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa), supplying independent power plants local to the Son My area.

The plan assumed that operation would begin in 2018, and that the terminal’s capacity would increase between 6-10 Mtpa after 2020, expanding supply to customers across the central and southern regions of Vietnam.

As a result of our work, PV Gas was able to present the full feasibility study and accompanying documents at public hearings, satisfying regulators and the public. The QRA in particular helped people to understand measures being taken to mitigate operational risks at the terminal, contributing to public acceptance.

Royal HaskoningDHV provided a responsive and very effective service, with team members maintaining good communication, clear reporting and excellent technical input throughout.

Mr. Huynh Quang HaiGeneral Manager, PVGAS PMC

Project facts

  • Client
    PetroVietnam Gas (PV Gas)
  • Location
    Son My, Vietnam
  • Challenge
    Choosing the right site and winning support for a new LNG import terminal
  • Solution
    Detailed site selection and feasibility studies showed the benefit to the region
  • Period
    2011 - 2012
Briain O'Dowd - Director of Energy and Fuels

BriainO'Dowd

Director of Energy and Fuels