Just a bit more on Japan and FSRUs. Japan just completed its first ship to ship (shuttle to FSRU) several months ago. This type of LNG Carrier operation isn't just a concept it is a reality. As the article you posted points out the problem right now is securing tonnage to carry out the task. Check out Excelerate Energy Excelerate Energy for a good overview of the industry.
Interestingly, Indonesia has just started a FSRU project using a US built LNG Carrier, the LNG Aquarius. The reason I say "interesting" is because the LNG Aquarius delivered the first cargo out of Bontang, East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo Indonesia in August of 2007. That cargo was delivered to Osaka Gas, in Osaka, Japan. The Aquarius also delivered the first ever LNG cargos to Japan's 4 other LNG receiving facilities. The Aquarius again loaded the first ever export cargo out of PT Arun, on the island of Sumatra Indonesia in October of 1978 (the PT Arun export facility is now being converted to an import facility, which is of interest because here in the US our import facilities want to convert to export facilities.) The LNG Aquarius was joined by 7 sister ships all built in Quincy, Mass., and evolved into the largest LNG trade, by tonnage, at the time, i.e. from Indonesia to Japan. The Quincy ships, now known as "the old ladies" are still in operation today, commanding premium day rates, but unfortunately not under the American flag which was lowered 12 years ago.
Reading the linked articles you will get but a glimpse of the burgeoning demand for natural gas, which of course bodes very well for Capstone if they can execute.
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