Technip and GE are teaming up to focus on the design and build phase of new LNG projects, jointly evaluating the application of digital solutions to the engineering, construction, commissioning, start-up and operation of LNG facilities.

The first phase of the project will determine which solutions can be applied to LNG projects from the design phase, as well as for operation and maintenance of LNG facilities.

Combining the complementary areas of expertise for the first time allows the two companies to explore new digital capabilities for LNG that can be applied from the design and build phases all the way through to the operational phases, GE turbomachinery solutions CEO Rod Christie said.

“By embedding digital thinking at the very beginning of project development, we are truly building the digital future of oil and gas,” Christie said.

GE chief digital officer Matthias Heilmann said that digitising the design and build phases of projects would unleash an entirely new set of opportunities.

He said expanding digital into planning phases will enable operators to optimise machines, facilities and operations from the beginning.

With the rise in demand, and the venture into new markets, the volume of liquefied natural gas traded on a global scale is expected to double by 2025, the statement said.

It is expected that the role of digital solutions will increase significantly as the industry is looking to prioritize and optimize the equipment and operations in search of higher productivity.