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LNG Containment Technologies in FLNG: Comparing GTT, SPB, and MOSS Tanks

‍🚢 LNG Containment Systems in FLNG: GTT vs SPB vs MOSS (UPDATED FEBRUARY 2026)

As FLNG projects scale globally, the choice of LNG containment technology has become one of the most strategic decisions in project design, EPC execution, and lifecycle performance.

Floaters Intelligentia has just published a fully updated comparison of the three dominant tank technologies used in FLNG units:
🔹 GTT Mark III membrane systems
🔹 SPB (Self‑Supporting Prismatic Type B)
🔹 MOSS spherical tanks

The article examines how each technology impacts:
✅ Construction sequence & yard strategy
✅ Thermal and structural performance
✅ Sloshing resistance and operational envelope
✅ CAPEX, schedule risk, and maintainability
✅ Suitability for newbuild vs conversion FLNG units

Key insights:
GTT membrane systems remain the benchmark for newbuild FLNG thanks to high shape efficiency and parallelized installation (hull completion followed by in‑hold panel installation), supported by a mature global yard ecosystem.
SPB tanks—pioneered by IHI and now featured on Wison’s Nguya FLNG for Eni—demonstrate fast‑track potential at the module level when tanks are fabricated off‑hull and integrated as a package. However, SPB installation sits on the dry‑dock critical path and requires heavy lifts, so the overall schedule advantage depends on yard capability and execution readiness.
MOSS tanks continue to play a vital role in FLNG conversions (e.g., Gimi), offering outstanding sloshing resistance but lower volumetric efficiency, which makes them less common in newbuild FLNG.

This updated piece includes:
📌 A revised technical comparison table
📌 A detailed construction & integration section
📌 Thermal management analysis (cofferdams vs void systems)
📌 A full set of APA‑formatted references
📌 Updated field examples from Prelude, Coral Sul, Coral Norte, PFLNGs, GTA Gimi, Nguya, and Genting FLNG

🔍 If you work in FLNG development, EPC execution, naval architecture, or LNG operations, you’ll find practical insights drawn directly from real projects and shipyard practices.

👉Read the full article below:

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