The construction site of the $1.84-billion FLNG facility in Nantong Economic and Technological Development Area, East China's Jiangsu province. [Photo provided to NETDA] 

Nantong Wison Marine Engineering Co Ltd in Nantong Economic and Technological Development Area (NETDA), East China's Jiangsu province, started building China's largest floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) facility on Jan 17, local media reported. 

The $1.84-billion FLNG facility, which is expected to produce 2.4 million tons of LNG a year, was ordered by Italian oil and gas company Eni. 

Dubbed "the new pearl on the crown of the ship and marine engineering industry," the FLNG facility can be used to liquefy and store the natural gas extracted in the sea areas far away from land. 

The facility, which is expected to be put into operation in the Congo sea area 50 kilometers from shore by the end of 2025, can receive about 10.76 million meters of natural gas per day. 

Wison will provide engineering, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning (EPCIC) services for the facility, breaking the technological monopoly of related foreign companies in the field. 

Nantong deputy mayor Ling Yi said at the launch ceremony that he hopes Eni will strengthen cooperation with the city's marine engineering enterprises in developing natural gas resources. 

Cao Yanhui, the deputy director of NETDA's administrative committee, said that building the facility will play a significant role in improving the competitiveness of Nantong's high-end shipbuilding industry in international markets.