The South Pars LNG Terminal represents a landmark marine infrastructure project developed for TECHNIP/JGC in partnership with SOGREAH. This sophisticated liquefied natural gas export facility was engineered to accommodate a diverse fleet of LNG vessels ranging from 60,000 to 250,000 cubic meters in capacity, establishing a critical gateway for Iran’s natural gas exports to global markets.

Situated in a high seismic zone along the Persian Gulf, the project presented unique engineering challenges requiring advanced structural solutions. The terminal’s steel pile foundations and steel topsides demanded meticulous seismic design considerations to ensure operational integrity and safety under extreme environmental conditions. TECON’s comprehensive engineering approach addressed these complexities through innovative structural design and rigorous analysis methodologies.

Project Scope

TECON’s scope of work encompassed the complete FEED (Front-End Engineering Design) phase for all marine terminal structures and associated marine equipment. The project required integrated design solutions spanning geotechnical engineering, structural analysis, marine equipment specification, and comprehensive mooring system design to create a fully functional LNG export terminal capable of handling the world’s largest LNG carriers.

Terminal Infrastructure Design

• Approach and jetty trestle structural design providing vessel access corridor
• Comprehensive geotechnical investigation and structural design of steel pile foundations
• Loop platform design for LNG transfer operations and pipeline connections
• Berth platform engineering to accommodate loading arms and control systems
• Service platform design for operational support and emergency response
• Catwalk structures providing safe personnel access throughout the terminal

Mooring & Marine Systems

• Mooring and breasting dolphin design to safely secure vessels during loading operations
• Auxiliary mooring system design for operational flexibility and emergency scenarios
• Marine equipment selection including fenders, bollards, and loading arms
• Advanced ship mooring analyses accounting for vessel dynamics and environmental loads
• Integration of all marine systems to ensure seamless operational coordination

Engineering Approach

TECON employed a multidisciplinary engineering methodology combining advanced structural analysis, seismic engineering principles, and marine operations expertise. The design process incorporated sophisticated finite element modeling to evaluate structural performance under combined loading scenarios including seismic events, vessel impacts, wave action, and operational loads. Detailed construction method statements and cost estimates ensured project feasibility and provided clear implementation guidance for subsequent construction phases.

The engineering team conducted comprehensive ship mooring analyses utilizing dynamic simulation techniques to validate berthing arrangements and mooring configurations across the full spectrum of design vessel sizes. This rigorous analytical approach guaranteed safe operations under all anticipated environmental conditions while optimizing structural efficiency and construction costs for this strategically important energy infrastructure project.