Exmar has won Approval in Principle from Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore for a concept to convert an existing membrane-type LNG carrier into a floating liquefied natural gas unit for offshore gas developments, MarineLink reported on 18 September 2026.
The classification society’s AiP recognises the feasibility of adapting the carrier’s membrane containment system and associated arrangements to FLNG service, according to the report. The announcement covers a concept stage assessment rather than detailed engineering or certification for a specific vessel.
The conversion concept targets membrane-type LNG carriers, a recognised containment technology in merchant LNG transport. Converting such ships to FLNG would repurpose hulls and on-board systems to enable liquefaction of gas at sea and storage for offloading, a step distinct from constructing a new purpose-built FLNG facility.
Exmar’s proposal and the Bureau Veritas AiP were described in the MarineLink item dated 18 September 2026. The AiP is presented as an early validation of the conversion concept that can support further development work, project studies and commercial discussions.
The move reflects an approach that looks to combine existing ship assets with offshore processing capability. Conversions offer a potential route to shorten timelines and reduce capital intensity compared with newbuild FLNG plants, though the MarineLink summary did not set out technical or commercial details.
Design and technical considerations
Working with membrane containment raises particular technical considerations when adapting a carrier for liquefaction, storage and offloading duties. The concept assessed by Bureau Veritas would have examined interfaces between the membrane system, topside process modules and auxiliary systems on the ship’s hull.
Safety case development, structural assessments and integration of process equipment are typical focal points at concept stage. The AiP indicates that Bureau Veritas found the proposed concept credible against the criteria applied at this early design milestone, while further engineering and class approval stages are still required to proceed to execution.
Industry implications and next steps
If taken forward, a conversion project would move from concept and AiP into detailed design, regulatory approvals and commercial contracting. MarineLink’s report does not disclose whether Exmar has a specific ship or client identified for conversion, nor does it give a timetable or cost estimates.
The Bureau Veritas AiP provides a foundation for Exmar to advance feasibility studies and to engage with potential project sponsors, financing parties and yards. Those parties would require more detailed engineering, operational analyses and commercial terms before committing to conversion work.
The maritime and energy sectors have shown interest in flexible solutions for offshore gas development, and the concept reported by MarineLink illustrates one pathway under consideration. The report confines itself to the announcement of the AiP and does not claim immediate contract awards or construction starts.
The Bureau Veritas approval at concept stage is an important procedural milestone but not a final class certificate. Further approvals and verifications will be necessary as the project, if pursued, progresses through design, installation and commissioning phases.
MarineLink’s coverage of the announcement on 18 September 2026 provides the verified basis for this report. The development will be of interest to shipowners, offshore operators and contractors tracking options for supplying liquefaction and storage at sea from repurposed LNG tonnage.