Natural gas is not always produced at onshore terminals. Some are produced and processed offshore first. So, how does this gas reach the mainland safely and efficiently?
This is where the role of an Onshore Receiving Facility (ORF) becomes crucial, as the entry point and connection between offshore gas sources and the onshore distribution network.
Curious to learn more about this facility? Let’s dive deeper into this article.
What Is an ORF?
An Onshore Receiving Facility (ORF) is an onshore installation designed to receive natural gas flow from offshore, whether it comes from a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU), subsea pipelines, or offshore production facilities.
Typically located at the endpoint of offshore pipelines, an ORF serves as the entry gate for gas into the mainland. Its key functions include:
- Stabilizing gas pressure and flow rates
- Measuring gas quantity (metering)
- Adding odorants for safety
- Channeling gas into the distribution network
For example, PT PGN LNG Indonesia has an ORF in Lampung that is connected to the FSRU Lampung, located about 21 km offshore from Labuhan Maringgai.
From this facility, regasified gas can be distributed to the main South Sumatra–West Java (SSWJ) transmission network at the Labuhan Maringgai Station as well as to the Lampung offtake station.
In addition to Lampung, there is also an ORF facility at the Arun Terminal in Aceh. This facility is operated by PT Perta Arun Gas as an LNG receiving and regasification terminal.
The Arun Terminal has also been developed as an LNG hub, serving to receive, store, and distribute LNG for both domestic and international needs.
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How Is an ORF Different from an LNG Terminal?
The main difference between an ORF and an LNG terminal lies in their functions:
- LNG Terminal: Receives LNG in liquid form, stores it in cryogenic tanks, and performs regasification to convert LNG back into gas before distribution.
- ORF: Does not store or regasify LNG, but ensures that gas received from regasification facilities meets quality standards before being delivered downstream.
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What is the Important Role of ORF in Gas Supply?
ORFs play a vital role in ensuring the smooth and safe flow of gas supply. Their roles include:
1. Primary Receiving and Distribution Point
An ORF functions as the onshore receiving point for gas delivered from FSRUs or offshore pipelines. Once received, gas is distributed to downstream infrastructure as needed, including:
- Power plants
- Industrial zones
- Distribution pipeline networks
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2. Maintaining Gas Quality and Pressure
ORFs regulate gas before it enters downstream systems. Incoming gas from FSRUs or subsea pipelines must be adjusted to meet operational pressure standards and monitored to ensure compliance with quality specifications.
3. Supporting Regasification Operations
ORFs receive regasified gas from FSRUs and distribute it into pipeline networks. These two facilities serve complementary roles:
- FSRU: Stores and regasifies LNG.
- ORF: Ensures the regasified gas is safely, reliably, and properly delivered to distribution networks.
4. Ensuring Safety and Security of Distribution
ORFs safeguard gas transmission through advanced control systems, including leak detection, pressure regulation, and emergency shutdown systems.
With these features, ORFs play a critical role in protecting workers and maintaining infrastructure reliability.
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5. Securing a Stable Supply for Industry and Consumers
By ensuring safe and consistent gas flow, ORFs contribute to supply stability. This is particularly vital for power plants and industrial hubs, allowing operations to run smoothly without interruptions.
ORFs are indispensable elements of the natural gas supply chain, ensuring the seamless, safe, and reliable flow of energy from offshore sources to onshore consumers.
Their existence supports regasification terminal operations, guarantees supply stability for power generation and industries, and strengthens the reliability of natural gas distribution to end users.
References:
- ECOnnect Energy. Accessed 2025. How Does an LNG Plant Work?
- HGC. Accessed 2025. Tobago Natural Gas Receiving Facility
- Aker Solutions. Accessed 2025. Design and construction of onshore receiving and processing facilities
