What is a jettyless LNG transfer system and how does it work?

A jettyless system, like ECOnnect's IQuay, transfers LNG between a transport vessel and onshore facilities using floating platforms and flexible, insulated cryogenic hoses rather than a permanent, fixed concrete pier. This allows LNG carriers to moor in deeper water without the need for extensive dredging or heavy marine construction, significantly reducing both cost and environmental impact.

Why is Colombia fast-tracking this LNG import terminal?

Colombia is facing a critical decline in its domestic natural gas reserves alongside rising demand from gas-fired power plants, which are essential when hydropower generation drops. The fast-tracked Puerto Bahía terminal in Cartagena Bay is designed to quickly bridge this supply gap and prevent potential energy rationing in the near term.

What are the environmental advantages of ECOnnect's IQuay system?

The IQuay system minimizes the environmental footprint by eliminating the need for seabed piling, heavy dredging, and permanent concrete structures in sensitive marine habitats. Because the system is floating and can be deployed quickly, it drastically reduces underwater noise pollution during construction and allows for easier decommissioning or relocation in the future.

Offshore Energy · June 17, 2026 (Jun 17) · 1 min read

ECOnnect tasked with jettyless transfer solution for Colombia’s new LNG terminal

Analysis

AI-assisted analysis · reviewed by Yuri Kan

Norway's ECOnnect Energy has secured a contract to deploy its proprietary jettyless LNG transfer technology at the Puerto Bahía import terminal in Colombia. This development is highly significant as it bypasses the need for traditional, capital-intensive marine jetty infrastructure, allowing for a rapid and environmentally low-impact installation. By utilizing this flexible floating transfer system, Colombia is positioning itself to quickly address looming domestic gas deficits through accelerated LNG import capabilities.

Key Facts

ECOnnect Energy has been contracted to supply its proprietary IQuay F-Class jettyless transfer system for the Puerto Bahía LNG import project.
The project is located in Cartagena Bay, Colombia, a strategic maritime hub on the country's northern Caribbean coast.
The Puerto Bahía LNG terminal is being developed on a fast-tracked schedule to mitigate projected domestic natural gas shortages in Colombia.
The IQuay F-Class system utilizes a floating platform and flexible hoses to transfer LNG directly from carriers to onshore storage or the grid, eliminating the need for permanent concrete jetties.
This technology significantly reduces marine environmental disruption and lowers upfront capital expenditure (CAPEX) compared to traditional offshore marine structures.

Background & Context

Colombia has historically relied on domestic natural gas production, but declining reserves and rising demand have forced the country to look toward LNG imports to secure its energy grid, particularly for power generation during El Niño-induced droughts. Traditional LNG import terminals require extensive dredging and massive concrete jetty structures, which face prolonged environmental permitting and high construction costs. ECOnnect Energy's jettyless technology emerged from the need for rapid, flexible, and environmentally sensitive marine transfer solutions in challenging coastal ecosystems.

Market Impact

The deployment of the IQuay system at Puerto Bahía represents a major win for fast-track LNG import strategies globally, proving that floating solutions can bypass traditional infrastructure bottlenecks. For Colombia, this accelerates energy security by months, if not years, providing a vital buffer against power shortages. For the wider LNG industry, a successful deployment will validate jettyless transfer as a commercially viable, lower-CAPEX alternative for fast-growing emerging markets that need immediate gas supply but lack the capital or time for permanent deepwater ports.

What to Watch

Industry observers should watch for the fabrication and delivery timeline of the IQuay platform, as well as its integration with Puerto Bahía's onshore storage facilities. Additionally, the regulatory approval process for this novel technology in Colombia will serve as a benchmark for other Latin American nations considering similar rapid-deployment LNG solutions. Successful commissioning will likely trigger a wave of interest from other regional energy developers looking to fast-track gas import projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a jettyless LNG transfer system and how does it work?: A jettyless system, like ECOnnect's IQuay, transfers LNG between a transport vessel and onshore facilities using floating platforms and flexible, insulated cryogenic hoses rather than a permanent, fixed concrete pier. This allows LNG carriers to moor in deeper water without the need for extensive dredging or heavy marine construction, significantly reducing both cost and environmental impact.
Why is Colombia fast-tracking this LNG import terminal?: Colombia is facing a critical decline in its domestic natural gas reserves alongside rising demand from gas-fired power plants, which are essential when hydropower generation drops. The fast-tracked Puerto Bahía terminal in Cartagena Bay is designed to quickly bridge this supply gap and prevent potential energy rationing in the near term.
What are the environmental advantages of ECOnnect's IQuay system?: The IQuay system minimizes the environmental footprint by eliminating the need for seabed piling, heavy dredging, and permanent concrete structures in sensitive marine habitats. Because the system is floating and can be deployed quickly, it drastically reduces underwater noise pollution during construction and allows for easier decommissioning or relocation in the future.

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