A key gateway to the French and European markets
The Fos Cavaou LNG terminal at Fos-sur-Mer in the Bouches-du-Rhône region of southern France is one of the most active in Europe. Its location, its ability to handle the largest LNG carriers in the world today, and its 80-hectare site all contribute to its success.
Fos Cavaou is at a crossroads where LNG shipping routes intersect with major natural gas pipeline grid infrastructures. As a result, this terminal can deliver LNG by the shortest route to all European markets via the South of France.
The LNG terminal in a few figures
- A site of 80 hectares
- A wharf
- 15 meters depth available at the wharf
- A maximum capacity of LNG vessels able to access the terminal of 270 000 m3
- Receipt of 1st LNG vessel on October 26, 2009
- Commercial commissioning on 1 April 2010
Capacity that adapts to demand
The 80-hectares of land occupied by Fos Cavaou is large enough to allow further developments of the existing facility/plant . Although its current annual regasification capacity is 8.5 Gm3(n) in normal operation, that can be up to doubled in response to market demand (CAPMAX project).
Its capacity is marketed by Fosmax LNG, which develops new services every year in response to the expectations of terminal users and the needs of the market. This flexibility is facilitated by the many interactive opportunities presented by the ‘Instance Concertation GNL’ intercompany meetings organised under the aegis of the French Energy Regulator (CRE).
An ideal nautical location
Located at the entrance to the port of Fos-sur-Mer, the Fos Cavaou terminal is designed to receive every type of LNG carrier. Its low tidal range and clear separation from general port traffic facilitate movements of the world’s largest LNG carriers under optimum safety conditions.
Access from small-scale vessels (from 5 000 m3) up to Qmax (270 000 m3)
Gas characteristics
The LNG unloaded by the Shipper must comply with the following specifications:
| Parameter | Unit | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| GCV | kWh/Nm3 | 10.70 | 12.75 |
| Wobbe Index | kWh/Nm3 | 13.64 | 15.65 |
| RSH (as S) | mg S/Nm3 | 6 | |
| COS+H2S (as S) | mg S/Nm3 | 5 | |
| Total S | mg/Nm3 | 30 | |
| Hg | ng/Nm3 | 50 | |
| O2 | ppmv | 100 | |
| Impurities | Gas that can be received without undergoing additional treatment on entering the Terminal | ||
These specifications may change depending on any evolution of the specifications on the network.
Requirements for physical and chemical characteristics
The characteristics of the gas leaving LNG terminal facilities to enter the natural gas pipeline networks must always comply with the latest gas regulations.
The regulatory requirements of 18 October 2004 are:
- Gross Calorific Value [GCV] (combustion conditions: 0°C and 1.01325 bar) => 10.7 to 12.8 kWh/Nm³ (combustion 25°C: 10.67 to 12.77) (1)
- Water dew point below -5°C at maximum network service pressure (2)
Sulphur and H2S content
Snapshot H2S content must be less than 15 mg/Nm³ (exceeding 12 mg/Nm³ for no more than 8 hours).
Average H2S content over 8 days must be under 7 mg/Nm³.
Total sulphur content must be under 150 mg/ Nm³.
(1) "H type" gas: high GCV gas.
(2) Converting water dew point into water content and vice-versa is carried out in compliance with ISO 18 453 "Natural gas – Correlation between water content and water dew point." (Gergwater correlation).
