Incheon LNG Terminal is one of the biggest LNG Receiving terminals in the world. The terminal began its operation with three storage tanks (each 100,000m3) and 360 ton/hour of regasification capacity in 1996. In order to meet the abruptly increased natural gas demand, the terminal has been expanded continuously. The terminal currently operates 18 sets of LNG storage tanks (10 above ground full containment tanks and 8 inground tanks: total storage capacity 2,480,000m3). Presently, the terminal has a 3,300 ton/hour regasification capacity. It provided the Seoul metropolitan area with 14 million tones per annum (Mtpa) of natural gas by 2004. Two additional 200,000m3 inground tanks are also under construction.

In spite of many technical challenges during the design development of this biggest terminal, the terminal has achieved high standard of reliability and well optimized LNG regasification. The success of the project was accomplished by relentless practical design improvements and value improving practices by the engineering company with the support of the terminal operations.

This paper discusses practical optimization for the following issues in detail: Ć Optimization of vaporization with the unfavorable site condition (low seawater temperature in winter) Ć Operation of two different types of storage tanks (underground and above ground tanks) Ć Dynamic operation of double berth system Ć Safe tie-in under the operation conditions Ć Past and future expansion plan