True energy efficiency Cryo AB

TRUE ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Based in Gothenburg, Sweden, Cryo AB is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of cryogenic equipment for the storage, transportation and handling of liquefied gases, with over 50 years’ experience in this increasingly important industry. A member company of the engineering division of the German Linde Group, Cryo AB offers standard and customised LNG (liquefied natural With a rapid increase in demand and regulations relating to the liquefied natural and biogas industries, leading manufacture of cryogenic equipment, Cryo AB is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious growth plans. EmmaJane Batey spoke to the managing director Gunnar Lenneras.

gas) and LBG (liquefied biogas) fuel systems and is a certified manufacturer of cryogenic pressure vessels with its production activities carried out according to national and international approvals and standards. Managing director Gunnar Lenneras explained more about a typical Cryo customer and how the company’s technical capabilities can meet the most complex demands. He said, “We work with global gas companies, shipyards and customers that are involved in the production, distribution or consumption of LBG (liquefied biogas) and LNG (liquefied natural gas). Our highly experienced teams are experts in their own fields of natural and biogas storage, so together we can offer a complete solution. We have more than 200 engineers and advanced steel workers so we have an extensive knowledge of all aspects of gas storage, which we can then convert into solutions that meet the needs of our customers at every level.”

Decades of experience

Cryo has been installing LNG tanks for shipyards for more than 10 years, with a particular focus on the Baltic and Nordic regions. Mr Lenneras explained how impending restrictions due to be implemented in 2015 will see the value of the company’s gas expertise rocket for shipyards in particular as protected coastal areas in Europe and the USA will require more specific storage of LNG and LBG.

Mr Lenneras added, “There are a number of environmental and practical benefits for using LNG and LBG, such as CO2 reduction, no sulphur, no particle outlet and a 90 per cent reduction of nitrogen compounds. The compression means the gases are easier and cheaper to transport too, which brings with it its own environmental benefits.”

The cryogenic engineering and manufacturing applications for liquefied cold gases created by Cryo AB all take place at its 20,000m2 facilities in Gothenburg. The Cryo team also regularly works on client sites across the Nordic and Baltic regions, with one such recently completed €70m project seeing Sweden’s first receiving and distribution terminal for LNG. The company has also taken the first public LBG tank station for heavy vehicles into operation, used among other things for a long term test with a number of trucks from AB VOLVO.

Nordic countries do not have a national grid for gas, so LNG and LBG offers considerable logistics benefits as they are easy to transport. Mr Lenneras continued, “Natural gas shrinks in volume by 600 times when liquefied, so it is easy to see why it is beneficial for transportation as the tank can have a lot more energy for the same volume. But this is a highly technical, scientific process that requires a lot of equipment and specialist knowledge, which is where we excel. As the new regulations such as marine diesel not being allowed come into play, in different global areas at different times, we are perfectly positioned to deliver the solutions needed to stay ahead of the changes.”

Leading the way

Cryo is clearly at the frontline of the industry changes and is dedicated to ensuring it can offer solutions, especially as it is one of the oldest companies in this fast-changing industry. Mr Lenneras describes Cryo’s activities as now being in their ‘third-generation of solutions’, so the company’s profile is increased as the market importance expands. In order to meet these demands, Cryo is investing heavily in its training and equipment, with 2010 seeing a €5m investment in its workshop to increase capacity and efficacy of production through greater automation, and more expected in 2011.

Mr Lenneras added, “Cryo is committed to keeping one step ahead of the market

SVT

Performance, Reliability and Safety are the deciding factors

The evolution of mature technical solutions starts with the recognition of actual requirements. The more complex and unique these requirements are the more important is the choice of the right partner. The main benefits of the LNG loading systems from SVT are advanced technology, efficiency and particular safety.

SVT is a world wide supplier offering LNG loading systems in sizes from 2“ up to 20“ with complete technology like ERC-Systems and QCDC-systems from one single source.

both in terms of our plant facilities and the education of our people. It’s an incredibly technical industry so it is imperative that we keep focused on developments. The customer and the market are the drivers for us.”

As the official partner with French company Cryostar, the main global manufacturer of cryogenic pumps, for the installation and maintenance of cryogenic pumps in the Nordic and Scandinavian regions, Cryo is looking forward to continued success across its traditional markets. Furthermore, its plans to follow its customers into emerging markets is already proving to be a successful strategy, with global development in South America, Northern Africa and China already in place.

Mr Lenneras concluded, “Having completed projects including a €70m LNG receiving terminal in Stockholm and the first public tank station that uses biogas, we are excited about the possibilities in our industry. We have the history and expertise that allows us to utilise these opportunities and we plan to continue to strengthen our competence and service organisation even further so we really stay at the forefront of the LNG and LBG industry.” n