Kai Wen

In recent years, the global energy supply chain has faced unprecedented challenges, particularly against the backdrop of frequent geopolitical conflicts and escalating international trade barriers. As one of the key modes of global energy transportation, the arrival frequency of LNG carriers has significantly declined, while the volatility of transportation cycles has increased markedly. This has introduced substantial uncertainty to the operation of LNG receiving terminals. Such instability has not only intensified the difficulty of inventory management but has also imposed higher demands on pressure regulation of storage tanks, the scheduling of key equipment, and overall operational efficiency. To address these challenges, this study develops a multidimensional energy consumption optimization model based on the actual process flow of LNG receiving terminals. The model comprehensively considers several critical factors, including fluctuations in vessel arrivals, pressure balance control in storage tanks, energy consumption calculations for pumps and compressors, and the handling of BOG. Adopting a holistic system perspective, the model coordinates the dynamic relationship between upstream resource supply and downstream user demand. The study demonstrates that through rational scheduling of equipment operations within the LNG receiving terminal, it is possible to achieve energy conservation and emission reduction, even under conditions of uncertain LNG carrier arrivals and fluctuating downstream demand. Moreover, the implementation of a flexible scheduling mechanism enhances the terminal’s resilience to the volatility of the international energy market, thereby supporting the efficient operation of LNG receiving terminals amid global energy market turbulence.