Turkish engineering company URTIM played a key role in building what is described as the world’s largest floating LNG tank.

The structure, built in the Arctic region, weighs 480,000 tons and covers an area equivalent to six football fields. It stands on 121 steel legs, each capable of supporting loads ranging from 55 to 200 tons.

URTIM supplied a hybrid scaffolding system specifically designed for reinforced concrete works, which was developed over a three-year research and development programme. The company said that the system allows the overlapping of different construction stages, saving time, labor and costs.

The hybrid system made it possible to begin applying the membrane immediately after the first concrete was poured without dismantling the scaffolds – a process that would normally require extensive reassembly.

URTIM also provided heavy-duty scaffolding, stair towers and auxiliary lifting systems throughout the building.

The LNG tank, which is 330 meters long, 153 meters wide and 151 meters high, is the first of its kind and represents a milestone in the global energy and engineering sectors.

Serdar Urfalilar, Chairman of the Board of Directors of URTIM Concrete Formwork and Scaffolding Systems, said that the project highlights the company’s growing international reach.

He said URTIM has completed more than 4,000 projects in 70 countries during its 45-year history, working in sectors ranging from shipbuilding and refineries to transport infrastructure and healthcare facilities.

URTIM described the LNG tank project as a “source of pride” for its engineers and evidence of its ability to compete on a global scale.