South Korean shipbuilding giant Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has successfully floated the hull of PFLNG Tiga, a state-of-the-art floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) unit commissioned by Malaysia’s Petronas.
This marks a key milestone in developing the ZLNG nearshore project in Sabah, East Malaysia, with the final delivery scheduled for early 2027.
Petronas Expands FLNG Fleet for Growing Demand
Petronas has been at the forefront of FLNG innovation, and PFLNG Tiga will be its third floating LNG facility, following the successful deployment of PFLNG Satu and PFLNG Dua. The addition of this new unit is expected to significantly enhance Malaysia’s LNG export capacity, reinforcing its role as a major LNG player in the Asia-Pacific region.
The ZLNG project itself is a critical component of Malaysia’s long-term energy strategy, aimed at monetizing stranded gas reserves that are otherwise uneconomical for traditional onshore LNG processing. The deployment of PFLNG Tiga in Sabah waters will allow Petronas to tap into remote and offshore gas fields, providing a cost-efficient and flexible solution for liquefaction and export.
Samsung Leads the FLNG Market with 55% Share
Samsung Heavy Industries has cemented its position as the dominant force in the FLNG sector, having now secured orders for five out of nine FLNG units worldwide. With a 55% market share, Samsung continues to play a pivotal role in advancing offshore LNG infrastructure, which is increasingly seen as a game-changer for global energy supply chains.
The shipbuilder’s success in securing multiple FLNG contracts highlights the growing industry shift towards floating solutions, as they provide greater flexibility, lower capital costs, and faster deployment compared to conventional onshore LNG terminals. FLNG technology is particularly crucial for countries looking to commercialize gas reserves in deepwater or remote locations.
A Competitive Race in the FLNG Market
As demand for LNG continues to surge amid global energy transition efforts, companies are racing to expand their FLNG capabilities. Samsung faces competition from other key players such as Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) and Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), both of which are actively pursuing FLNG projects. However, Samsung’s strong track record and technical expertise have given it a leading edge in securing high-profile contracts, including this latest deal with Petronas.
The Future of FLNG: A Game Changer for Global LNG Supply
The rise of FLNG solutions reflects the increasing demand for cleaner energy sources, with natural gas playing a key role in the global energy transition. As more nations look to reduce carbon emissions while ensuring energy security, FLNG facilities like PFLNG Tiga offer a scalable and sustainable approach to natural gas extraction and processing.
With Samsung at the helm of FLNG innovation, and Petronas reinforcing its position as a leader in offshore LNG, the completion of PFLNG Tiga in 2027 is set to be a major milestone in the evolution of floating gas production technology.
 unit commissioned by Malaysia’s Petronas.){kind=link}