Cost and delivery of long-distance natural gas pipelines to a distant liquefaction facility at a warm-water port has become excessive, and environmental restraints have been increasing. An alternative to this type of facility is an offshore ice-resistant liquid natural gas (LNG) port accommodating a new class of LNG transport vessels. The benefits of a deepwater Arctic marine port are undeniable; the concept would create a safe harbor that could be configured to fit the requirements of any Arctic endeavor.
Introduction
The area above the Arctic Circle is underlain by sedimentary basins and continental shelves that hold enormous oil and natural gas resources. Most of this area is poorly explored for oil and natural gas; however, the US Geological Survey estimates that the Arctic contains approximately 13% of the world’s undiscovered conventional oil resources and approximately 30% of its undiscovered conventional natural gas resources.
