Gravity-Based Structure (GBS)

In a context where gas resources are localized far from consumers, in remote areas, developing a broad range of solutions adapted to various operational and environmental conditions is necessary. The GBS concept equipped with GTT technologies is one of these solutions.

A Gravity-Based Structure (GBS) consists in a concrete or steel caisson, laying on the sea floor. Equipped with a membrane containment system designed by GTT, the GBS can be installed in harbors or isolated zones with minimal infrastructure requirements.

The caisson acts as a quay. Completed with an adapted equipment, it allows the mooring of all types of ships, such as bunker vessels (small and mid-scale LNG carriers) and commercial vessels running on LNG (container ships, ferries, etc.), and can be connected directly to the gas distribution network.

GBS can contribute to the LNG supply chain as liquefaction or regasification plants, peak shaving storage, satellite station and for inland distribution. It can also be used for power generation (industry companies, captive power…) and bunkering (LNG as fuel)

GBS is a modular concept and can be adapted to projects in several phases. Storage capacity can be gradually increased by adding caissons.

The caisson implantation can adapt to many coast profiles, at quay or nearshore. It can also be equipped with bunkering facilities, equipment for electricity production, liquefaction or regasification.

GTT’s Membrane containment systems are suitable for different liquid gas applications (LNG, LPG, ethane, ethylene…). Mark III or GST® are suitable and can be used in GBS project.

GTT membrane benefits from being a light system that optimizes the weight and provides schedule management flexibility during construction, allowing a reduction in the critical path compared to a self-supporting tank solution.

GBS equipped with GTT tanks can offer a broad range of storage capacities ranging between 5,000 and 200,000 m³ or more.

For small-scale projects in countries that are looking for solutions that can be quickly deployed to develop LNG as a fuel or switch to gas, GBS can offer a quick delivery time.

GBS can provide the access to energy to countries & island, which are not connected to the grid and which have limited land availability.